Gerald J. Dorff, MD

May 30, 1938 - September 18, 2020

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In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Charles Catholic Church in Hartland, St. Bruno’s Catholic Parish in Dousman, or Marquette University.

Called Home to the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2020 at age 82. Beloved husband of Sandy (nee Geyser) Dorff for over 61 years. Devoted father of Beth (Rich) Hohl, Carol (Tobin) Anderson, Gregg (Sherrie) Dorff, Anna (Mark) Duerwachter, Gary (Jenny) Dorff, Joe (Mindy) Dorff, Don (Angie) Dorff, and foster father of Roberta Morin. Cherished grandfather “JaJa” of Becky, Jessica (Brandon), Zach, Karri (Dave), Stephanie (Andrew), Brad (Hayley), Kira (Donovan), Melissa (Chris), Kellen, Tyler, Matt, Jeremy (Autumn), Alex (Missy), Ryan, A.J., Brandon, Kirsten, Joe, Jaden, Julia, Shay, Maya, Brianna, Samuel, and Connor. Proud great-grandfather “JaJa” of Alexa, Kaden, Jordyn, Reese, Kinsley, Landon, Sawyer, Ella, Larkin, Isla, Madelyn, and Olive. Dear brother of (the late) Phyllis (the late Stan) Cielak, Joan (Jim) Ziolkowski, and Jean (Ray) Dorscher. Also loved by many other family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Olive (nee LaPerriere) Dorff and daughter Diana Marie Dorff.

Dr. Gerald Dorff was a proud graduate of Marquette High School, Marquette University, and Marquette Medical School. Following medical school, he interned at Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee. Shortly after starting his career, he was called to serve in the Public Health Service on Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota. After making his way back to Wisconsin, Dr. Dorff completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Infectious Disease. He went on to work at Harwood Medical Associates for 20 years. He co-founded and was president of Infectious Disease Specialists of Southeastern Wisconsin for the next 20 years. He then opened his Infectious Disease solo practice for 12 years. During his career, he was on staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for many years as well as many other local hospitals. Dr. Dorff was an active member of numerous medical societies both nationally and locally. Throughout his career, he was highly respected in his field as an Infectious Disease Specialist and educator.

Jerry loved being outdoors. His favorite past times included hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, flying small engine planes, and cooking for his famous Sunday dinners. He coached his sons in soccer and was a leader for boy scouts. He also was an active member of many parishes throughout his lifetime. Jerry loved sports and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Marquette Golden Eagles, and Wisconsin Badgers. Most importantly, he was the number one fan with his signature whistle at any of his childrens’ or grandchildrens’ sporting events throughout the years.

Jerry’s family would like to extend special thanks to all of his doctors, the Elmbrook Hospital staff, and Vitas Home Hospice.

A PRIVATE FAMILY Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Charles Catholic Church. Livestreaming will be available on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 11:00 AM. Please follow this link to view the service: https://youtu.be/sUV8By2c0I0

A Celebration of Life open to public, family, and friends will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Charles Catholic Church in Hartland, St. Dominic Parish in Brookfield, St. Bruno’s Catholic Parish in Dousman or Marquette University.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Charles Catholic Church in Hartland, St. Bruno’s Catholic Parish in Dousman, or Marquette University.

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Dear Sandy and family My deepest sympaty to you and your family at Jerry's passing we have lost so many of our classmates in the last year. Jerry will be greatly missed. He accomplised a lot in hs lifetime. Wend Schaefer, Marquette U School of Medicine 1964

Dear Sandy, Paul and I want to extend our sincere sympathy to you in your loss of Jerry. You both were such a wonderful asset to St. Bruno’s and have been missed since moved away. We want you to know that both of you will be in our prayers. God bless you and help you at this very difficult time. Dianne and Paul Bretl

Sending my love and prayers to all the Dorff family and friends. The mass was such a beautiful celebration of Dr. Dorff's life. Anna's eulogy was amazing. Fr. Nick's homily mentioning Jerry's conversations with Carol about a stronger faith by going to Jesus and our Mother Mary's crown lighting up should inspire us all to try to live a life like Jerry and try to be more like Jesus. I'm reminded of a Christmas card my family got a long time ago signed Jerry, Sandy, and the 7 Dorffs. They were like my second family in high school. Even when we crashed the mighty Maverick, Dr. Dorff seemed calm and fair. I spent a day at work with him seeing patients when I was young and he showed me how to treat them with respect and kindness. There are many fond memories. I am sure he is in heaven. I hope to see him there someday, but not yet. Bob Buth

In memory of Gerald J. Dorff, MD, Peggy and Jerry Knepprath lit a candle

As Anna said, Uncle Jerry could make a road trip w/ an overcrowded van fun. I'll never forget my trip from Wisconsin to Utah to meet up w/ Uncle Fred and crew for my very first ski lessons... What a memorable trip. We all had a blast - crazy fun! I can still hear uncle Jerry now, piloting the extended econo-line Ford van and see his smile in the rear view mirror... So glad I got to share those moments w/ him, my aunt, and my cousins... Cousin Dan

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts and prayers are with the extended Dorff family. I had the privilege of working with your husband, dad and grandfather during my internship at MCGH in'68-'69, as he was finishing his IM Residency. That spring I spent a month with Dr. Mike Rytel who that summer became Gerry's mentor during his ID Fellowship, therefore making Gerry the first ID Fellow in the Marquette Medical School ID program. Gerry had made such an impression on me during that year, that upon returning from my military service and starting my Pediatric Residency, I reach out to Gerry to be my PCP. [he was still doing IM as he worked to build his ID Consultative practice] He was definitely the Physician's physician! When you have a 'BUCKET LIST DOCTOR,' it was disappointing when Gerry stepped away from private practice, yet I understood what an impact he would have Consulting on adult patients with serious infectious diseases --- my loss but adult medical community gain. Only wish that I could of kept up with Gerry to learn more about his robust life outside of Medicine. Truly a priceless Physician, husband, father, grandfather, Catholic gentleman and a community citizen, Peace, health, love and happiness to the Dorff family. --- Dr. John Thomas

A beautiful service for a beautiful man. May Jerry’s memory remain a blessing to your family and To all of us who loved him. We will hold sacred every moment we spent with him always. He will be so very much missed Much love Dan and janice

Sang right along with you. God is Good! Love to all of you. Will have masses said at the Cathedral for Jerry. Wish we could have been together!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories and the love you share as a family sustain you all. Dr. Dorff was well loved, well respected at St Joseph's an equally missed.

Dear Sandy, We are thinking of you all during this very difficult time and we extend our most profound sympathy to everyone in your beautiful family. Your grief is shared by many and you have our love and prayers always, Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Vincent

Dear Sandy, Beth, Carol, Greg, Anna, Gary, Joe, Don and all family members. I am so sorry for your loss. The world is now one short of great men that inhabited this planet. I am very honored to have had Jerry as my friend for 64 years. He always made me feel special with a big hug and his genuine concern for my well being. His friendship over the years was indeed special. We laughed, sang great Polish drinking songs and listened to our 45s together as a group of young people. As our families developed Jerry always had time to give special care to my kids when they were sick. His expertise as an infectious disease specialist was so very helpful. Ski trips to the Lazy 7 Ranch will never be forgotten. It was such a pleasure to celebrate each others children's weddings. As we matured to "old Fogies'", we still had fun going to dinner and basketball games during which Jerry allowed me to pick his brain about all new medical disease theories We had so many nice times together. I will miss Jerry very much. I pray your loss will be somewhat salved by the wonderful memories as you look back on Jerry's life. Betty Jo Azpell

Debby and I were sad to learn of Gerry's passing and wish Sandy and the Dorff "family" our condolences. Gerry and I go back to our high school days and I won't forget his enthusiasm for all things Polish. Nor will we forget his love for all his family. We'll miss you Gery!

It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with Jerry and to have met his wonderful family. He was a great guy but, more importantly, a good man.

With great sadness all the men at St.Bruno's Dynamic Men's Group offer our prayers and symapathies. Jerry was a co founder of this dynamic group of men over 10 years ago and it is still going strong in large part to Jerry's energy and wisdom. We all miss him very much. Eternal Rest.....

We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Although we haven't been in touch for awhile we have fond memories of Jerry, Sandy and the Dorf family. One of our memories is of the parties you all had for apple fest, cider etc. Always so much fun. You were all blessed to have Jerry as a husband and father and have all of his love. May all the memories bring you a sliver of peace at this difficult time. Fondly, Ken and Barb

John and Molly Blackwood were incredidbly saddened to read the news and want your family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this troubling time. John was a medical school classmate of Jerry's and has always regarded Jerry as an incredibly caring man, friend, and astute physician. Such a great loss to all of us. May he rest in everlasting peace.

Dear Sandy and Family, we go way back with you and Jerry. Jerry and I were in High School, Marquette University, and Medical school together. We have many happy memories of our times with you and your beautiful family. We are so sorry to get this unwelcome news, we are so sorry for your loss. Sending Love and Best Wishes, Kathy and Ed Wilkinson

Jerry had a profound influence on my life. I intensely disliked Internal Medicine until a senior rotation at County General when Jerry was my resident. He was patient, a good teacher, and made IM fun. He treated every patient and team member with respect. To him every patient, even those with a mundane problem, had something interesting to talk about. When I was a resident, practicing internist, and teacher I tried my best to follow his example.

Dear Sandy, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Sue Ann Bethia

Sandy, I know you are surrounded by your amazing family and that you are all finding comfort in the memories you’ve made with that extraordinary man. I feel honored to have known him.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sandy and family(Beth) so sorry to hear about His passing. I have such fond memories of him walking down the St Joseph halls. He was an amazing, giving person. Hugs to all.

It was my privilege to know and work with Jerry since I was a resident and then for 40 years in practice. He was a great physician and friend. We took care of many difficult cases together with some really good results thanks to his expertise. He was an all around person and we discussed snow skiing quite a bit. He will be missed but had a full life. My best to Sandy.

Jerry was a good man. A phenomenal family man who I have always held as what we all should be when it comes to family. His love for Sandy and his family was apparent to anyone who shared a conversation with him. He was smart and kept learning which is what made him a great doctor. He loved his patients and the practice of medicine. He was a pioneer in private practice Infectious Diseases. He paved the way for all of us to follow. There will never be another like him. Nostrovia my friend. My heartfelt condolences to the Dorff family.

I have fond memories of Dr.Dorff from my time working at St. Joseph ICU. He always had a smile and was a dedicated physician. Sending prayers to his family.

Dr Dorff was a great doctor! He had a special way with the patients and was wonderful to the staff too! Thank you for all you did at St. Joseph Hospital!

Loved Dr Dorff, such a great doctor and a wonderful man. My condolences to the family, such a huge loss.

Sending all of you my deepest sympathy. Dr Dorff was a great man, it was evident how much he loved his family and how much that love was returned! I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with him and to have the honor to have met such a wonderful, caring family. All the best Sarah

Especially at this time there could be nothing more noble to the profession that Geri Dorff followed. We all thank him for that effort through his the time of his career and offer appreciation and prayers.

Jerry was senior to me at MCW (then Marquette). As one of the (if not first) Fellow in Infectious Disease at Marquette and Milwaukee County General Hospital he was very well respected for his knowledge, "no- nonsense" direct communicating style, his clinical acumen and spirit of inquiry. The last of this resulted in a well known early publication with Mike Rytel on pneumonia. With respectful remembrances I offer my condolences to his family.

My heartfelt condolences. Also, my deepest gratitude for all the decades he dedicated to St Joseph Hospital and Graduate Medical Education here. He will be fondly remembered forever.

Sandy, heartiest condolences. Really sorry to see him leave this world. Jerry, we will miss you a lot. Thanks for many years of devoted service to St. Joseph and the medical staff, residents and students. Jerry was always there to help with the education of his colleagues and housestaff even as his health began to fail significantly. i last heard from him on the 20th of August this year. A few months before that, I sent him a song, “don’t let the old man in”. he was inspired by that, and wrote on 8/20 to tell me that he sings that song everyday. There is now a top infecious disease consultant in heaven, to serve all those celestials. Rest in peace, Jerry.

Our deepest sympathies to the Dorff family. So many treasured memories. Jerry is safely home resting peacefully in Gods arms. He will be missed by many.

My sincerest condolences to the Dorff family. Uncle Jerry will truly be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Gerald J. Dorff, MD

Brookfield

Brown Deer Road

Capitol Drive

New Berlin