Gerald R. Birkholtz

Birkholtz, Gerald R.
“Jerry”

Gerald Robert Birkholtz, age 71, passed away peacefully with his family and the Rev. Leon Knitt by his side. He was born September 18, 1939 in Stockbridge and raised by his grandmother, Mary. In 1955, he moved to Appleton to live with his cousin, Marion. He married his loving wife, Marlene in Appleton in 1961 and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage. Jerry's friends and neighbors were very important to him. He was a hard worker and never missed a day of work. Jerry was an avid Packer, Badger and Brewer fan.

Jerry worked for Konz Wood Products, Appleton Manufacturing (a division of Menasha Corp.) and Kraft Foods-Jacks Pizza until his retirement in 2005.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marlene Birkholtz of Appleton; daughter, Paula (David) Kuba of Appleton; grandchildren: Amanda and Molly Kuba; sister, Joyce (Jacob) Paltzer, sisters-in-law, Donna (James) Huven and Yvonne (Dennis) Schoen and special cousins, nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law: Raymond (Olive) Ellenbecker and his brother-in-law, Raymond Ellenbecker.

Funeral Services for Jerry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, with the Rev. Leon Knitt officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Jerry's family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to neighbors: Jim, Mike and Jordan Larson for helping Jerry and Marlene when they needed you, Dr. Haine, Heartland Hospice and St. Elizabeth Hospital-4th floor Oncology for all their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry's name.

Jerry, you are an amazing person. You will not be forgotten because you will always be with us in our hearts.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri-County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 831-9905