Gerald Joseph Frank, 100
Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Frank of Cedarburg was born to Eternal Life on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the age of 100. He was born to August and Marie (nee Bradley) Frank on August 19, 1924. Jerry married “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen” Nancy Sudbrink on March 31, 1951, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg. They had a lifelong love and cherished raising their three children together.
Jerry was born and raised in Cedarburg and later graduated from Cedarburg High School. He enlisted in the US Navy as a 17-year-old leaving high school early to serve his country during WWII as a sonar operator on the USS J. Fred Talbott (DD-156) destroyer and USS Project (AM-278) minesweeper. Jerry was a proud member of Cedarburg American Legion, Peter Wollner Post 288.
He was a dedicated employee as a lineman for the Cedarburg Light and Water for 31 years and was often out in severe weather repairing downed power lines or water main breaks. Jerry served with pride as a volunteer Cedarburg Firefighter his whole adult life as an active and passive member answering many calls for service. He was very involved with fundraising at Cedarburg Firemen’s Park: countless stock cars races, County Fairs and Maxwell Street Days.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Jerry was a cherished founding member of the Pincherry hunting group, which gave him so many years of close friendship and enjoyment.
Jerry enjoyed boating, water skiing, golfing, and card games. He was an excellent Sheepshead player. Most of all, he enjoyed reading book after book. He was a dedicated Green Bay Packer fan through all their ups and downs.
Jerry had a wide network of wonderful friends in Cedarburg, and Ozaukee County. After his retirement his network of friends extended to Lake Arrowhead WI, and Fort Myers FL as snowbirds with Nancy. He was a soft-spoken, gracious man of strong Catholic faith. Jerry was an incredible father, grandfather and dear friend to many people.
Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his children: Mike (Geri) Frank of Nekoosa, Patti (Ron) Hofstad of Grafton and Tom (Mary) Frank of Ponte Vedra, FL. His grandchildren: Aaron (Eni Mimless) Hofstad, Carrie (Bryan Puglisi) Hofstad, Zachary (Nina) Frank, Rachael (Justin Otanicar) Frank, Alexander Frank, Natalie (Alexander) Witt, Jason Frank, Nicholas Frank and Cody Frank. He is further survived by his adored 6 great-grand daughters: Madison, Zuri, Mila, Olivia, Emma and Rosalie.
He was preceded in death by parents August and Marie (nee Bradley), sisters: Jeanette (Edmund Jr) Stecker, Rose Marie (Robert) Krause, Grace (Anthony) Bell. Jerry cherished his lifelong partner and wife of 73 years of marriage, Nancy (nee Sudbrink).
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012. The family will receive visitors at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Mass will be followed by full military honors.
Special thank you to Lasata Care Center and Horizon Hospice for their loving care.
Memorials to the Cedarburg American Legion, Peter Wollner Post 288 are appreciated.
The Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at .