Gerald R. Mortensen

Gerald Mortensen Jr., affectionately known as “Jerry” or “Mort,” passed away peacefully on May 16th in Peoria, AZ, at his home surrounded by family. He was 82.

Jerry was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on September 23, 1942, to Gerald Sr. and Doris Mortensen. Jerry graduated from Wausau Senior High School, where he excelled in baseball (and once hitchhiked home from a basketball game in Eau Claire after being left by the team bus). He served in the Air Force after graduating in 1961. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley (nee Ladin), and the couple shared over 61 years of marriage.

Jerry attended UW-LaCrosse, and after working in construction for several years, he spent 25 years as Vice President of Wausau Steel Corporation. Shirley and Jerry spent their retirement years in Peoria, Arizona, with a number of their lifelong childhood friends from Wausau.

Many described Jerry as “salt of the earth” and “always positive.” He was known for his infectious smile, warm heart, curiosity, quick wit, and unwavering kindness. His influence on others was vast, and it came naturally. His generosity and selfless nature touched countless lives. When conversing with Jerry, it was as if you were the only person in the room. His humor and playful spirit were with us until the end.

Jerry was a tenacious, tireless worker for causes he supported and believed in. He truly made a difference in the community and people’s lives. He loved working on his Lionel train set, and at one point, he had the second-largest collection in the state. As his granddaughters said, “Grandpa can fix anything.”

He will be remembered for his gentleness and the tremendous pride he had for his family. Jerry adored his wife and children and loved his granddaughters to the moon and back. He leaves a massive void in the lives of all who loved him, primarily for his family, who shared many shenanigans and much laughter with him. He’ll be remembered as the guy who brought lights to Stiehm Stadium, a proud parent, attending swim meets, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, working on the DCE Football Chain Gang, watching one granddaughter’s ballet performances and the other’s hockey games, or anything they put their mind to.

He is survived by the love of his life, Shirley, daughter Renee and son-in-law Jim (Divine) of Minneapolis, son Gerald and daughter-in-law Cary (Dameron) of Rothschild, and their respective children, his granddaughters, Ari and Cece.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who enjoyed spending time with him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on July 11th at the Hebrew Cemetery of Wausau, followed by a social gathering. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a home hospice organization in your community or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Sympathies can be left at Menke’s Funeral & Cremation Center at www.menkefuneralhome.com.