Gerald Louis Keil, age 91, entered eternal life, surrounded by his loving family on February 7th, 2024. Jerry was born August 23, 1932, in Manitowoc to Elmer and Clara (Lambries) Keil. Graduating in 1950 from Lincoln High School, Jerry is a member of the “1950 Boys Club”. He lettered in three sports and played in the band. He played Semi Pro Football for the Braves from 1950- 1952 and was inducted into the Manitowoc Semi-Pro Hall of Fame in 2002. Jerry coached grade school basketball at St. Andrew’s for ten years. He retired from the Manitowoc Company in 1996 and then continued working at Carquest Auto Parts for many years.
Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War and spent one of those years in Germany. He married Elizabeth (Bette) Zipperer on July 4, 1953, and she joined him in Germany where their first child, Peggy, was born. Jerry and Bette celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2023. It was a tradition to celebrate their “4th of July Anniversary” every year with family and fireworks!
Jerry’s unforgettable smile radiated his joy for life. He enjoyed sheepshead, horseshoes, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid Packer Fan who attended the Ice Bowl. Jerry enjoyed fixing things and volunteering to help family and friends complete their projects. He donated blood faithfully through the years at local blood drives. Jerry was a joy to be around and loved having a good time.
He is survived by his loving wife Bette: their four special children Peggy and Rick Fischer, Manitowoc, Keith and Nancy (Steuer) Keil, Scottsdale, AZ, Craig and Sandy (Kubichek) Keil, Manitowoc, Kristin and Jaimie Salta, Two Rivers. Very special grandchildren, Heidi and Ryan Campbell, Dr. Brigitte and Tyler Smith, Megan and Kevin Terry, Aaron and Mary Keil, Emily Keil, Matt Keil, Erika and Nick Orman, Mackenzie Salta and fiancé Mitch Magyar, and Spencer Salta and friend Kally Krueger. Precious Great Grand Children, Gretchen and Henry Smith, Kailee Campbell, Thomas, William and Joseph Terry, Josie Orman, and Maren Keil.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Elmer (Rose) Keil, Eugene (Dolly) Keil, Bob (Pauline) Keil, Ralph (Mary) Keil, Donald (Gladys) Keil, Roland (Katie) Keil, his sisters, Lorraine (Harry) Witczak and Gladys (Francis) Lallensack.
Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by Rev. Matt Colle and Deacon Alan Boeldt. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 1248 and American Legion Post 165 of Two Rivers.
The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Rivers Bend Health and Rehabilitation, Manitowoc, as well as the staff of Heartland Hospice, for the care and compassion they have provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Keil family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
Throughout the years, Jerry would entertain us by imitating Jimmy Durante, “Fairy Tales can come true, it can happen to you…” We love you Dad/Grandpa.
