Gerald “Jerry” George Schuster, age 90, peacefully passed away at Maritime Gardens Assisted Living in Manitowoc on Saturday May 25, 2024 and went to heaven to be with the Lord.
Jerry was born on September 24, 1933 in the Town of Clay Banks in Door County to parents John and Evelyn (Rodrian) Schuster and grew up on their family farm with three sisters, Irene, Marilyn, and Alice. Jerry attended Lakeview Grade School, which was a one room grade school in Clay Banks. In eighth grade, Jerry placed first in Door County academic testing. Jerry graduated from Algoma High School in 1951.
Jerry worked for the Soil Conservation Agency in Sturgeon Bay and also served in the US Army for two years in the mid-1950’s and was stationed in the State of Washington.
On August 24, 1960, Jerry married Karen Raether at St. Paul’s Church in Algoma and they had three beloved children, Kim, Scott, and David. Jerry began working at Hamilton Industries in Two Rivers in 1961 in the factory. Jerry later moved to various office positions at Hamilton’s and retired from Hamilton’s in 1997 after 36 years of employment.
Jerry was a life-long sports fan and especially enjoyed playing softball in Forestville and later in Two Rivers playing for Andy’s Bar and Bob’s Bar. Jerry was the 1971 MVP in the Kellnersville Softball Association Tournament. He loved watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and watching his children and only grandson, Bennett, play sports. Jerry also had a unique skill in winning numerous radio trivia contests and in his later years could be found watching Jeopardy every weeknight at 6pm.
At age 49, Jerry had a spinal cord injury. He was a very remarkable man and fought hard to recover from the injury with determination and perseverance and eventually learned to walk again with crutches and even traveled to Las Vegas several times.
Most importantly, Jerry was a humble Christian and served the Lord at St. John’s Church in Two Rivers assisting in various volunteer positions and also supported Manitowoc Lutheran High School. Jerry loved his church and MLHS and the friends he made there. Throughout his life, Jerry also graciously cared for his daughter Kim, who has cerebral palsy.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen, of Two Rivers, three children: Kim, Green Bay; Scott, Mequon; and David (Kari), Ashwaubenon; one grandson: Bennett, Ashwaubenon; one sister: Alice Hutter (Bob), Green Bay; and many other in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: John and Evelyn, father-in-law: Elmer, mother-in-law: Marie, sisters: Irene and Marilyn, infant brother: John Jr., and sister-in-law: Marlene.
A private family Christian funeral is being held at St. John’s Church in Two Rivers on May 30, 2024 with burial at Forest View Cemetery. Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels are assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
The family thanks the staff at Maritime Gardens for their excellent care and genuine friendship to Jerry the past five years. The family also thanks Sharon Richardson Hospice and the staff at Manitowoc Health and Rehab, especially Katie from Physical Therapy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. John’s Church in Two Rivers, Manitowoc Lutheran High School, or the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Center in Green Bay.
