GERALD GRUNWALD

Gerald R. “Jerry” Grunwald, 77, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at home.  He was born on May 24, 1944, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Ralph and Rose Mary Grunwald, and graduated from Oshkosh High School in June 1962.  After graduation, Jerry served proudly in the United States Coast Guard from 1963-1967.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, he returned to Oshkosh and was employed by Leach Company.  In 1969 he married Christine Emanuel, and they enjoyed 52 years together in Neenah.

After the early death of his father, Jerry served as a role model for his three younger brothers and also faithfully engaged with his mother until her death in 2019.

Jerry and Chris raised two sons, Eric and Nathan.  Jerry took pleasure attending his sons' academic and athletic events and never missed seeing his boys in competition.  His pride as a father extended beyond their high school accomplishments to their higher education goals which resulted in careers where both sons continue to serve their communities.  As a grandfather to Nolan and Wyatt, Jerry enjoyed attending baseball games and Karate competitions.  Jerry and Chris enjoyed many fun-filled excursions with their sons and grandsons.  Annual vacation trips to Treasure Island, Florida in June, remain the best family memories.  In 2019 Jerry and Chris celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Treasure Island with their sons and their families.  This past June, Chris and Jerry returned to Treasure Island in celebration of 52 years together.

Jerry enjoyed bowling and he and Christine were members in a couples bowling league for several years.  A perfect 300 game was one of Jerry's memorable accomplishments.  Jerry also enjoyed the game of golf and after retiring organized golf outings for other retired friends.  He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, waiting patiently for 34 years for season tickets.  He was finally rewarded with seats in the new Lambeau Field addition, and he and Chris faithfully attended every home game, despite challenging weather conditions.

Jerry was a participant in life; a congenial host who always shared a good joke or two socializing with friends.  Sharing a Packer game with Chris, friends and a stadium full of fans made Jerry very happy, but he was happiest just being anywhere with Chris and his family.  Christine remarked, “The world was a better place because Jerry was in it.”

Jerry is survived by Christine, his wife of 52 years, sons Eric (Cheryl) Grunwald and Nathan (Taegan) Grunwald, grandsons Nolan and Wyatt, brothers Tom (Diane) Grunwald, Tim Grunwald, and Mark (Susie) Grunwald, and nieces Jill, Sara, and Jennifer and nephew Michael.    He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Barbara, and nephew Matthew.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Baltz, Dr. Mielke, Dr. Tretinyak, Dr. Atassi, Dr. Ray and Dr. Meier for their extraordinary care and support.

Funeral services for Jerry will be at 12:00PM, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Road, Neenah.  Visitation will be at the church from 10:00AM until the time of the service.  Military honors will be presented immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated.