Jerome Fronek

Jerome "Jerry" Fronek, 75, 822 Fulton Street, Seymour, WI, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2011 at home, following a courageous year-long battle with cancer. His journey ended with him spending time at home, visited by his family and many friends.
Jerry was born on October 24, 1935 to the late Harry and Helen (Prasalowicz) Fronek of the town of Ackley, WI. He grew up on his father's dairy farm and attended Antigo High School, graduating in 1953.
On November 9, 1957 he married Carole Jean Heschke of the Town of Polar, WI. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1994.
Jerry is survived by his children: Brian (Diana) Fronek of Pulaski; Jerry (Cathy) Fronek of Hortonville; Bruce (special friend Paula) Fronek of Little Chute; Debbie (Andy) Doersch of Sobieski. He is further survived by his grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Wayne Fronek (special friend Jim), Angela (Brian) Everson and their daughter Ella; Justin Fronek, Tyler Fronek, Jaki Ek and her daughters Jenna and Violet; Kendall Doersch and Zachary Doersch.
Jerry enjoyed the bonds of his family and is survived by his brothers Harry and Ron (Eva) Fronek and sister Emaline Mach. He is further survived by several aunts, uncles, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by a daughter Cristine Rae; his parents; step-mother Margaret; and twin sisters Marion and Marilyn. A brother-in-law Frank and sister-in-law Caroline also preceded him in death.
Jerry lived a complete life, touching the hearts of his family and many friends. Everyone knows how much he enjoyed entertaining by playing his "golden trumpet". In 1949, at the age of 15, Jerry started the "Jerry Fronek Orchestra", playing dance music to entertain his family and friends. He continued to play the trumpet and spread the love of the bohemian polka throughout his entire life. Visiting on Sunday meant watching Jerry's favorite polka variety shows, and no one could ride in his vehicle without listening to the music of his idol, Romy Gosz.
After graduating from high school, in 1953, Jerry joined the National Guard in the Antigo area. He served with the Guard until volunteering for the draft in 1954. He was deployed to the Korean War as a combat engineer and was honorably discharged in November 1955 at the rank of Sergeant SP4. Jerry was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 106 and served as its commander from 2007-2009. He was proud to be a veteran and felt it important to honor the service of others. So, he was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard for 49 years. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus.
After returning from his military service, Jerry farmed potatoes with an uncle and helped on his father's dairy farm before taking a job as a truck driver for Kampo Transit. He later sought employment at Badger Consolidated in Seymour, which became his home for the remainder of his life. He worked as a licensed cheese maker for several years while also working part-time at Shell Oil in Seymour. That led him to seek a career in truck driving, which he enjoyed for 36 years at Packerland Packing in Green Bay. He was the proud recipient of many safe-driving awards, having driven 2 ½ million miles without an accident. For six years of his retirement, he also drove truck for Performance Wood Products.
Jerry loved the outdoors, enjoying snowmobiling and four-wheeling with his family and his lifelong friend, Bob. He was an avid hunter, spending many winters in the north woods of Wisconsin, as well as numerous trips to Wyoming and Montana. He and Bob made a voyage to Alaska, of which he was very proud and spoke of often. He was also an avid fan of Nascar, especially if his favorite driver, Matt Kenseth, was winning. The cribbage board was never far from reach and Jerry enjoyed a game or two to pass the time while he battled the later stages of his cancer.
Relatives and friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 915 Ivory Street, Seymour on Monday, August 29, 2011 from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian burial is celebrated at 11 AM with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Burial will take place at the St John's Cemetery south of the church immediately following the service with Military Honors. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com
Jerry has fond memories of the friendships he made throughout his cancer journey. His friends at Good Shepherd kept his spirits up when he needed it. His dear neighbors, Bear and Karla, have been as much a family to him as anyone could be. The help of his neighbor Brandon is appreciated so very much, as it allowed Jerry to concentrate on his battle, rather than chores around the house! It reassured everyone to know that Jerry was surrounded by so many people who cared about him. The Fulton Street neighborhood watch especially enjoyed his final 4-wheeler ride around the house only days before finishing his battle. He truly did "ride off into the sunset".
Jerry and the family would like to extend special thanks to all the people who touched his life, especially Leatrice, Bob, Aggie, Adele, Alice, Marcie, Dale, Bear and Karla, and Brandon. Your love and concern for him will never be forgotten. May you take a piece of Jerry with you where ever you go, until you should meet again.
A special thank you goes to the neighbors on Fulton Street for all of the meals, kind words and hospitality shown the family during Jerry's final days. It is very much appreciated; you are all angels!