Gerald Linsmeyer

Gerald J. Linsmeyer, 86, of Seymour, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 30, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born July 21, 1931, son of the late John and Tillie (Treml) Linsmeyer. On October 13, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Leisgang at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Seymour. He was a lifelong member of St. Sebastian, and a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, he enjoyed religious retreats on Chambers Island, Door County, with his brothers-in-law, Ollie Leisgang and Ted Jaskolski. He had a strong faith in God and his daily prayers comforted him.
After marriage, Jerry took over the family farm. Always willing to help a neighbor, he became a volunteer fireman for the Town of Seymour. In 1959, he started Linsmeyer Packing with his father. They were known for their ham, bacon and sausages and much more. The plant was sold in 1973 to Provimi Veal and Jerry stayed on as Head of Maintenance and became a self-taught draftsman. During this time, he started and operated JL Enterprise, septic tank pumping service. He was licensed as a Waste Water Plant Operator. He also became partners with Don Wilson and Charles Reinhardt and started C-Wil-Meyer Welding and Fabricating. In 1984, he became licensed as a Financial Advisor and joined Primerica Financial Services, and held his license well into his 80's.
Jerry accomplished all of this and more with only an 8th grade formal education. He was an avid reader and self-taught in many ways. He always knew how to fix anything! Jerry was licensed as a Private Pilot and his older children enjoyed flying with him as one of their birthday treats. He loved hunting and fishing and could spend a whole day in the woods sitting and enjoying nature. One of his favorite places was the family cottage on Lee Lake, sitting on the swing watching his grandchildren play and swim. He spent many hours inside his "hideout" in the backyard creating gadgets or toys and tinkering with anything that needed fixing or improving. Jerry loved woodworking and would make anything his grandchildren dreamed up. He built unbelievable doll houses, barns and farm sheds, a replica of the Titanic, birdhouses for his beloved martins and much more, all in great detail. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and many people loved slowly driving past his house and yard to see it lit up in lights! With his love for aviation, he tried to attend EAA every year and built and flew remote control model airplanes. He never said no to a good game of cribbage or poker and was happy to teach his kids and grandchildren how to play. Many people knew him as "Big Feller" but despite this he was a very smooth dancer and loved a waltz with his wife and a good polka. He was an avid gun collector and had many stories behind some of his unique finds. His greatest joy was his family, anytime spent with them he referred to as "prime time". He never missed a handmade love note to his wife or an, "I love you, drive safe.", to his kids. His family is thankful for his special last week of life on earth, getting the time to reminisce, say good bye and visit daily. We know that is why you hung on so long, Dad, you were so happy that we were all "home". We will miss you greatly Dad. Thank you for showing us how to be a good husband and father. Thank you for giving us strong faith in God and in family.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann "Mert"; their children: Julie (Joe) Skinkis, and their children: Kaylee (Sam) Hochsteller, Nick (fiancAC.e Samantha Forrest); Mike Linsmeyer; Jill (Dan) Carey, and their children: Nicole (Mike) Treder and their daughter Vivian, Nate (Jill) Carey and their daughter Fawn, Adam Carey; Patty Linsmeyer (special friend, Doug Kaczorowski) and her children: Melissa Halla and her children Brianna and Tyler, Derek Leidel, Jared Leidel; Dick Linsmeyer (special friend Kristin) and his sons, Ryan and Eric; Ken Linsmeyer, Amy (Mark) Lahay, and their children: Zachary, Ashley and Joshua; Chris (Amy) Linsmeyer, and their children: Jacob, Ava and Ella; two sisters: Vi Bishop and June Linsmeyer; sisters-in-law, Dolores Leisgang and Helen Jaskolski; Godchildren: Jackie Grubber, Betsy Ashman, Jean Anderson, Ann Bishop and Melissa Halla.
Preceded in death by grandson-in-law, Jordan Halla; brothers-in-law, Don Bishop, Alois Leisgang Jr. and Ted Jaskolski.
Friends may call at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, Isaar on Thursday, August 3, 2017, from 4:00-8:00 pm with a prayer service at 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 9:30 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am with Fr. Brian Belongia, Fr. Bob Kabat and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Entombment will take place in the Shrine of Good Shepherd, Green Bay. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com
Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund would be appreciated.
We would like to extend a most sincere thank you to the staff at DaVita Titletown Dialysis and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Jerry. You are caring people who enjoyed Jerry's good nature and sense of humor. We would also like to thank Dick Stedl and Jim Campbell for bringing Jerry home from dialysis when a member of our family was not available to do so. Jerry certainly enjoyed visiting with both of you on his trip home. A special heartfelt thank you to our son and brother, Ken. Ken with your love, care, and help dad was able to enjoy the comforts of home. We are forever indebted to you. May God bless you always
Dad had some physical struggles in life, but did not complain. He knew he was very blessed. Dad always said, "I just want to be remembered as a "Good Ole Farm boy."