Jerry Backus, age 78 of Nekoosa, died unexpectedly at the home of his daughter in Appleton on Monday night, April 20, 2015. Jerry was born in Kewaskum on December 12, 1936, son of the late Edwin and Vinelda (Schultz) Backus. Jerry was a graduate of the Kewaskum High School, and proudly served in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Wisconsin Rapids and began work at Nekoosa Papers. He retired in 1991 as a senior journeyman millwright. He was an active resident in the Adams County town of Rome where he served as a Town Board Supervisor, an eleven-year member of the Tri-Lakes Management District, as a member of the local property owners' association, the Town of Rome Board of Appeals, and even as a dam operator.

Dear to Jerry was his involvement with the Masonic organizations. He was a member of the Quincy Lodge F & AM in Adams as well as the Beja Shrine in Green Bay. He was most proud of being named an Emeritus member of the Board of Governors for the Twin Cities Shriners Hospital for Children, a cause near to his heart.

In 1976, Jerry married Char Slezak Feifarek, and the couple enjoyed many happy years together. He is survived by his wife: Char Backus of Nekoosa; two daughters: Diana (Kirk) Schneider of Appleton and Tami (Mike) Plonka of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; two grandchildren: Max and Veronica Kovach; two sisters-in-law: Gertrude Backus of Kewaskum and Jo Rohm of Appleton; a brother-in-law: Jim Slezak of Appleton; two special Godsons: Lee Backus and Jackson Saari; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley Gaffke and Eileen (Ralph) Hein, a brother Edwin Backus; a brother-in-law: Art Rohm; a sister-in-law: Ann Slezak; Char's parents: Harley and Dorothy Slezak, and a niece: Rachel Rohm.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, with Pastor Steve Nickel of Fox Valley Christian Fellowship officiating. Masonic rites and military honors will both follow the service. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.wichmannfargo.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a Shriners Hospital for Children or maybe just do something for someone; take a kid fishing or hunting. Whatever you choose, please do it in memory of Jerry.