Gerald Anthony "Jerry" Deering

Our Heavenly Father came down and stopped your beating heart on July 29, 2019. May the grace of God be with you Jerry as you go on your new journey into Heaven. Born May 10, 1934, to Mary (Bongers) and Joseph C. Deering. Jerry was born on the family farm located on Highway 96, in Kaukauna. He loved to follow his dad around when he was a little boy to learn all he could about how to farm and milk cows. He always had many stories to tell from his childhood. His favorite was when he was 4, he had hernia surgery and his sister Eileen had to pull him around in the wagon. The other was when he was 16 and he got his Indian Motor bike. He took it everywhere when weather permitted. In 1955, he joined the US Army Reserves. Jerry attended grade school at Holy Cross, and then went onto Kaukauna High School. In November 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Ver Hagen, and they had 5 beautiful children together. They loved to travel over the years, and worked together as a team to continue the Deering farm. Donna passed away in August of 1987. In 1988, he met Mary Kay Rogers and her daughter, Heather. He welcomed Heather as his own and was an awesome Dad to her. January of 1988, Jerry’s son Mike took over the farm and he got a job as a custodial supervisor at Lawrence University. He worked there until May of 1999. Then he would help his sons out on the farm. November 12, 1988, he and Mary Kay got married. In 2001, they bought a place in Brownsville, TX. When they come back in the summer, they stay with son Ken and Lorie. He loves it when all the kids are together. He enjoyed South Padre Island, casinos and traveling.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Kay; children: Sue (Brian) Walbrun, Joe (Diane), Mike (Pat), Ken (Lorie), Jim (Joe Swetich), and Heather Vestal; a sister: Eileen Nackers; grandchildren: David (Amy), Kathy (Jeremiah), Travis (Kim), Cody (Taylor), Liz (Crissa), Jerry, Chris (Faith), John (Abby), Jenny (Anthony), Marty (Carli), and Macey Kay; great grandchildren: Kaleigh, Wesley, Mason, Addie, Kaelyn, Sammi Jo, Theo, and Nathan; godchildren: Jim, Randy, Kathy, Amy, Liz, Chaz, and Pammie; brothers-in-law: Dave (Sue) Rogers, Bob (Diane) Rogers, Rick (Lynn) Rogers, Tom (Tammy) Rogers, and Jim Rogers; sisters-in-law: Brittney Phillips, Karen (Keith) Kaphingst; Donna’s family: Ruth Theunis, Bill (Carol) Ver Hagen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary Kay’s parents: Tom and Arlene Rogers; brothers-in-law: Jerry Phillips, Albert Nackers, Bill Theunis; Donna’s parents: Richard and Della Ver Hagen.

Memorial services will be held at Noon, on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St., Kaukauna. Inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service.

When I look up to the Heavens at night, I will see you brightly shining over me. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I am so happy we had so many wonderful talks, laughs and tears over the last few weeks. I will miss your big hugs and kisses every day. I will love you forever and miss you more. Mary Kay.