Gerald "Jerry" Herman Meulemans

On February 27, 2024, a sun-splashed and unseasonably warm day, Gerald “Jerry” Herman Meulemans, age 84 years, of West Bend began his eternal life at home surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on September 6, 1939 in Green Bay to Herman and Marian (Vandenberg) Meulemans. He was united in marriage to Doris Speich on June 13, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marion.

Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts from St. Norbert College in DePere and his Master of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jerry was an English teacher who found fulfillment in helping generations of students find the joy in reading. He taught in Marion from 1962-1967 and at West Bend East from 1967-1997. While teaching in Marion, Jerry also served in the US Army Reserve.

In addition to teaching, he touched many lives through coaching at Marion High School, West Bend East, and UW-Washington County. Although he coached golf and basketball, football was his passion. For nearly three decades, he served as a role model, challenging his players to be their best selves at practice, on the field, and in life.

After retiring from teaching, Jerry enjoyed supporting the community by serving as Athletic Director of West Bend School District, as a Town of Barton Supervisor, and by driving for West Bend Taxi. He was very active in serving his church, St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception. He served on the Parish Council and was Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 1964 Fr. Casper Rehrl.

Jerry loved spending time at the lake with his family, a place that he and Doris named “Livadreme.” He waterskied and tubed into his 80s. Jerry’s favorite past-time was spending time with his grandkids; supporting their athletics, activities, and education. Sitting in the bleachers, no matter the reason, was a source of great pride. Jerry was also a lifelong Packers fan and season ticket holder; in 1967, he attended the historic Ice Bowl and celebrated the Packers’ victory on the field after the win.

Jerry is cherished by his wife of almost 60 years, Doris; their children, Kris (Troy) Engstrom, Diane (Scott Meurett) Meulemans, Tim (Heather Tate) Meulemans, and Laurie (Glen) Rudie; their grandchildren, Hayden, Kellyn, Annika (Connor), Kylie, Ingrid, Ben, Luke, Hans, and Violet; sister, Dorothy Biese; sisters-in-law, Bonnie, Pearl, and Patricia Meulemans, and Betty and Cecelia Speich; and brother-in-law, Harold Speich. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald, Kenneth, Vincent, Arlyn, and Roy Meulemans; brothers-in-law, Mel Biese, and Earl and Robert Speich; and sisters-in-law, Rosemary Meulemans and Arleen Speich.

VISITATION: Jerry’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, 406 Jefferson St., West Bend.

MASS: A Memorial Mass in remembrance of Jerry will take place at 3:00 p.m. following the visitation with Fr. Kevin Harmon and Fr. Carl Meulemans celebrating. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery this summer.

Memorials in Jerry’s name can be directed to St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church or American Cancer Research Foundation.

The family would like to thank God for sending Debbie to our family for her guidance, care, and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jerry’s arrangements.  For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.