Jerome Frederick “Jerry” Blank, 82, formerly of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, in Millstadt, Ill.
Jerry was born on June 14, 1931, in Pulcifer, a son of the late Robert and Arlene (Engel) Blank. He attended St. James Lutheran Grade School and later graduated from Shawano High School. In June 1949, he entered the United States Air Force and served for four years during the Korean War.
On Oct. 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to the former Norma Ann Redmann at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Shawano. Jerry had been employed at the Shawano Paper Mill for over 37 years as a millwright/engineer, retiring in 1990. While working at the paper mill, he served as the treasurer of the Paper Mill Credit Union for over 25 years.
While living in Shawano, he was a member of St. James Lutheran Church of Shawano. Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman. Jerry was an avid golfer throughout his life. He was also a former member of the Shawano Lions Club and served as the secretary of Shawano club. Never forgetting service to his country, he was a member of Shawano American Legion Post 117, where he served as club commander in 1976 and 1994. He was also a member of the 40 et 8 and was the chef de gare in 1994. Also active in civic service, he served the city of Shawano as alderman of Ward 3, sat on the Board of Review, was treasurer of the Job Service for 12 years and was former chairman of the Block Grant Committee.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Norma, of Millstadt, Ill., he is survived by his daughters, Julie Ann Blank, of Monterey, Calif., and Janel Lynn (Steven) Gualdoni, of Millstadt; two grandchildren, Anna Martha Gualdoni and Mario Gualdoni, both of Millstadt; two sisters, Harriet Schauder and Betty (Robert) Nemetz, both of Shawano; a sister in-law, Alice Blank, of Shawano; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Pamela Rae Blank, a brother, Melvin Blank, and a brother-in-law, Glenn “Chic” Schauder.
A memorial service for Jerome F. Blank will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Ill., on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at 9 a.m. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano.
Schroeder-Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano is assisting the family with the local service arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.schroedermickelsonfuneralservice.com.