JEROME FASSBENDER
June 28, 1928 - January 06, 2020
Obituary
Jerome Fassbender (Jerry) passed on into eternity on Monday, January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, after a long and blessed life. He was born on June 28th, 1928, to Irma Fassbender (Ward) in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a child of the Great Depression, Jerry became a man of resourcefulness and ingenuity, able and willing to tackle any project that came his way. These skills lovingly live on in the ‘folklore' of the Fassbender family to this day.
Jerry was raised in Horicon, Wisconsin, by his grandparents, Lambert and Maria (Lutz) Fassbender. He shared many fond memories from his childhood in Horicon, and often desired to return there to reminisce. Jerry also had two younger brothers, Jack Ward (Rose) of Elcho, Wisconsin, and Vernon Ward (Anne) of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
In high school, Jerry, known by his classmates as ‘Fuzzy', was an avid sportsman, enjoying football and basketball. He graduated with the class of 1944. Throughout his life, Jerry kept in touch with his classmates from Horicon, frequently attending class reunions. After graduation, he eagerly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed as a Military Policeman in California. Jerry was proud of his service to his country and the bond he had with his fellow Marines.
As the formal hostilities of World War II came to an end, Jerry left the military and moved back to Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, he began working for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company – a career that he enjoyed and was very proud of.
Jerry met his wife, Patricia Louise Heider (Pat), in Horicon, Wisconsin, during the early days of the post-war era. The pair fell in love and became engaged and married about a year later on August 16th, 1952. He loved her dearly and was married to her for 49 years. Jerry and Pat enjoyed a full life, raising their family of four children in the beautiful community of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Jerry was actively involved in the volunteer fire department and coached football for St. Francis Borgia Catholic School for more than 15 years, including his sons' football teams throughout their schooling. Jerry's Catholic faith was very important to him. He prayed the rosary daily and went to Mass as often as he could. As a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic church, Jerry was active in the parish men's group, Holy Name, as well as serving as a volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Jerry and Pat enjoyed regular camping trips with their family, along with many life-long friends. In the mid-80's, Jerry and Pat realized their dream of purchasing a vacation home in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. Jerry retired from the electric company in 1988, and he and Pat moved to their home on Moon Lake in St. Germain. They enjoyed 13 years together in retirement and became involved members of the community. They joined the Catholic church in Sayner, volunteered at the local wildlife feed station and at the public library in Sayner. Both became avid snowmobilers, joining the Apple Dumpling Gang snowmobile club. They enjoyed many memorable snowmobiling trips in the Northwoods.
Jerry's favorite place to be was sitting on the deck of his home overlooking Moon Lake, watching the breeze move through the leaves on the trees, and feeling the sun on his face. He never tired of watching the diamonds dance on the water with the sunrise over the lake and listening to the call of the loons. Every season up north was a delight to him, but he particularly loved sitting in front of the fireplace in the winter talking with family and friends.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a strong, unwavering love, and he will be dearly missed by all. His wife preceded him in death on October 25th, 2001. He is survived by his four children; Susan Buchanan (Rick) of Watertown WI, Daniel Fassbender (Debbie) of St. Mary's Kansas, Thomas Fassbender (Kathy) of Menasha WI, and Karen Boswell (Karlton) of Milwaukee WI.
He is also survived by 19 grandchildren; Justin Becker (Amanda), Matthew Becker (Jody), James Buchanan, Andrew Buchanan, Sean Buchanan, Jeffrey Fassbender (Julie), Jenna Fassbender, Joel Fassbender (Sharm), Andrew Fassbender (Silvia), Peter Fassbender, Alena Cash (Marvin), Aimee Fassbender, Philip Fassbender, Alicia Fassbender, Nick Fassbender, Sam Fassbender, Jacob Fassbender, Jordan Boswell, and Reagan Boswell. Jerry is also survived by 14 great grandchildren with number 15 to arrive this July.
Services will be held on Thursday, January 16th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Menasha, Wisconsin, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 and the funeral mass to follow directly after at 11:30.
Donations can also be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Jerry's wife, Patricia.
The family would appreciate donations to be made for Masses to be said in remembrance of Jerry Fassbender to St. Mary Catholic Church, 2820 County Road N E, Sayner, WI 54560.