Gerald William Lawonn, youngest of five children, was born on January 28, 1960 to Melvin & Georgia (nee Connor). Jerry entered eternal life on June 5, 2018 shortly after he was stricken with Melanoma.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, eldest brother Ron, nephews Joshua Ehlers and Scott Stefanski, as well as dear friend Dave Andrews.
He is survived by his loving sisters Sharon Stefanski and Janice Ehlers (George) and brother Rich (Jill).
Uncle Jerry will be missed by his nieces & nephews: Kevin Stefanski (Becky), Kelly Stefanski-Phillips (Ryan) & ; Joel Ehlers, Michael Ehlers (Jessica) & Bethany Ehlers-Milligan; Danielle Lawonn-Kufahl (John) and Matthew Lawonn.
After marrying in 2016, Jerry is survived by his adoring wife Lori (nee Howe), Brudog, mother-in-law Judy Van Goethem, sister-in-law Mary Lou Johnson & her children Erica, Kathryn, Molly & Brewster.
Jerry is also survived by his uncles Bob (Jan) Lawonn & Kenny Connor, as well as other Lawonn & Connor family members.
Jerry was blessed with a beautiful circle of dear, longtime friends who grieve with the family. Life was full of Admirals games, Packer parties & race day at the Milwaukee Mile; pool parties, shooting pool, dabbling in hockey, storm chasing and many trips to Vegas!
Journal Jerry was also blessed with a satisfying, longtime career at The Milwaukee Journal. From paperboy to pressman, starting in high school, through 2004. Most recently, Jerry was a CNC machinist at Kapco, Inc. and was very enthusiastic about showing people the parts he helped craft.
Weatherman Jerry’s favorite words were “severe weather”. A self-taught storm spotter, Jerry prided himself in keeping us all informed about the weather. Nothing more exciting to him then thunder & lightning.
Jerry’s flower gardens and lawn were always a priority, both his own, and that of his beloved church.
We’ll miss Jerry’s colorful humor, verbalisms, sound effects & imitations, in addition to his annual, elaborate Christmas wonderland displays.
Visitation will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 8444 West Melvina Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 16th, 2018 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Service at 3:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to his lifelong church would be Jerry’s preference.