Gerald 'Jerry' F. Zielke

Gerald ‘Jerry’ F. Zielke, 87, of Ettrick, WI, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 in Gundersen Health System. He was born on June 25, 1936, in La Crosse to Frank and Martha (Trussoni) Zielke.  Jerry’s life was a remarkable journey of dedication, unconditional love, and joy. 

Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of dedicated service and retired in 1974 as a Master Sergeant.   After the Air Force, he enjoyed corporate life as the Director of Transportation and Travel at Siebe (formerly Barber-Colman).

Jerry enjoyed assembling model airplanes, savoring classical music, engaging in photography, and appreciating the arts, particularly Phantom of the Opera. He was quick to embrace Geocaching as an early adopter drawn to its combination of adventure, hiking, and the opportunity to spend quality time with his sons and grandchildren. Jerry found great joy in raising chickens and drinking lots of coffee out of his beloved chicken coffee cup.

He is lovingly remembered by his five children, Marcia (James) Holliman, John (Sheryl) Zielke, Edward (Amy) Zielke, Kimberly Zielke, Kristina ‘Tina’ Zielke; eleven grandchildren, Kyle (Rebecca) Thomas, Christopher Laughrey, Catherine Laughrey, Connor Laughrey, Megan Zielke, Coltin Zielke, Andrew White, Brenden White, Rebecca Uwase Zielke, and Habineza Moses Zielke; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Ramirez-Thomas and Carson Zielke; two brothers, Frank (Billie) and Rick (Terry) Zielke. Jerry is survived by his significant other Wilma Bibby.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Elvina ‘Ellie’, grandson Cameron Laughrey, and his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 707 Eagle St., Genoa, WI. Rev. Daniel Sedlacek will officiate. Military honors will be performed following Mass by the Stoddard American Legion Post #315, and Active Duty Airforce. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, at Church, with visitation to follow until the time of Mass. Burial will take place at a later date.