Gerald Lawrence Zedler

February 06, 1933 - June 19, 2022

Obituary

MILWAUKEE - Gerald L. Zedler, originally of Milwaukee, escaped old age at 89 years old on Sunday, June 19, 2022.

Gerry’s career in refrigeration began while in high school, working for his father’s business. He successfully pursued careers in the steam fitting, HVAC and electrical trades. As a young man, Gerry enjoyed canoeing Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and sailed across Lake Michigan at the age of 70.

Together with his father-in-law and former wife, Kathleen Schwalbe, he designed and hand-built a house for his family in Richfield, Wis. Gerry was an animal lover and spoke fondly of his childhood pets. His cat, Claude, and Sophie the dachshund, were Gerry’s companions in his old age. An all-around chuckly old fellow, his grandchildren and children alike enjoyed listening to his stories of adventure and family. He longed for his mother’s icebox cookies. He was a good friend and always willing to lend a hand.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ellen (nee Burdick) Zedler; and sister, Sandra Stuermer. Gerry is survived by his son Jeremiah (Donna) and grandchildren, Carolina, Lorenzo, Audrianna, Gabriella, Linn and Mateo of Kennesaw, Ga.; daughter, Jessica (Sandy) and grandchildren, Kaiu and Kate, of Oregon, Wis.; brother, Paul (Joy) of Town of Dunn, Wis.; and nieces, Susan, Sarah and Emily.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

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Eva Tuinstra

Other • 4 years ago

I just happened to catch this obit! My dad's best friend for MANY years was "Jerry". I remember being at his house in Richfield and he had some BIG tenessee walking horse I was allowed to ride. I remember, because my dad loved them too, icebox cookies that my grandma Ehlert made. My grandma and grandpa Ehlert were best friends of the Zedlers and likely because my grandpa worked in HVAC and refrigeration too. Jerry was an adventurous sort and my dad loved to tell stories of Jerry and his family....something about a chicken that lived in the house and once in a while got into the piano and scratched out a tune. I think the two of them and another friend DROVE the new AL-CAN highway all the way to Alaska. I can still see Jerry in his overalls at my dad's annual cornroast. These guys of this generation were one in a million and I am sad to see him go but now he can join my dad and reminisce about the good old days! My condolences to all-Eva Ehlert Tuinstra, Richfield, WI...daughter of Tom Ehlert