.After 91 years of life, Jerome (Jerry) Ehlinger, father of 10, grandfather of 26, great grandfather of 22, friend, teacher, mentor, inspiration, and hero to many, died at home on June 8, 2007, while listening to his children celebrate his life in story, song, and prayer.
Born in Suring Wisconsin to a family of loggers and farmers, Jerry began his professional career selling used cars to support his family. He ended his career selling used furniture at St. Vincent DePaul to support the most needy in his community. In between, this master machinist and self-educated engineer worked for Hudson Sharp Machine Company, Lindquist Machine and Tool Company, and was co-founder of Bay Industrial Machine Corporation.
During the Second World War, to support his wife and growing family, he moved to the Green Bay area where he used his machinist skills to help build tanks for the war effort. While his formal education ended at White Lake High School, where he was valedictorian and center on the 1934 high school state basketball tournament team, Jerry was a life-long learner and teacher. With his wife of 65 years, he attended 26 Elder Hostels throughout the world well into his mid 80s.
For many years he volunteered as an instructor at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He also volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul, Concerned Hearts Club at Bellin Hospital, and Sheltered Industries. Jerry survived the 1918 Spanish Flu and lived for 26 years after open heart surgery. He was a 75-year member and Chief Ranger of the Catholic Order of Foresters, a member of the Serra Club, and a charter member of the Pioneer Credit Union. Jerry was one of the founders of Preble Little League baseball, served as coach and commissioner and was a member of the Preble Park Board. He was an avid bowler and golfer and was a superb baseball and cribbage player. He was an enthusiastic player of the harmonica, banjo, and ukulele, and performed a "Grammy-worthy" rendition of Frankie and Johnny on the piano. He and his wife, Margaret, joined St. Philip's parish in 1945 and they remained active in the church until the time of their deaths. He was a member and president of the St. Philip Holy Name Society and Athletic Club and served as an usher, communion distributor, and home visitor.
Jerry was a quiet, kind, and loving man who had a quick and subtle sense of humor. He brought out the best in every life he touched. The world of today is much better because of his presence. The world of tomorrow will be even better because of his legacy.
He is survived by his children; Ralph (Mary Verstegen), Richfield, WI; William (Kay) Watertown, WI; Edward (Sally), Minneapolis, MN; Randy Schenkat (Jeanne Ehlinger, dec.), Winona, MN; Thomas (Anne Peek), Bloomington, MN; Mary (Mark Silverberg), New York, NY; Carol Ritter (Tom), Ruxton, MD; Timothy (Kathy), Wauwautosa, WI; Joseph (Suzanne Jurva), Thousand Oaks, CA; Rebecca Ibach (Mark), Sun Prairie, WI; sister/cousin Audrey Bauer, LaCrosse, WI; cousin Larry Ehlinger (Carol), Green Bay, WI; 26 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; and numerous relatives, friends, and admirers. He was preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Johanna, six brothers and sisters, his daughter Jeanne and his wife Margaret, whom he loved unceasingly. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, June 12, at Proko-Wall Funeral Home and Crematory, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, WI. There will be a Rosary Service at the funeral home at 4 pm Tuesday. Parish Prayer Service at 7 pm Tuesday. Visitation will continue at 9:00 AM Wednesday morning at church. Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of the life of Jerome Ehlinger will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 13, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St., Green Bay. Interment will be at the Allouez Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com/obit. Special thanks to Sister Helen Keyzer, Ginger and Al Hale, and Unity Hospice, especially Jerry Kaster, who lovingly and expertly provided needed care and support. Memorials to St. Vincent De Paul Society, 1529 Leo Frigo Way, Green Bay, WI 54302 and Unity Hospice, 916 Willard Dr., Green Bay, WI 54304.
http://www.prokowall.com/obit/memorials.php?uid=164&PHPSESSID=4fbca810096c94d0028968fd02419389
.