Gerald Ray Ziehlke (Jerry), Age 89, of Medford, passed away
at his home in Medford on Sunday October 14, 2018 under the care of Hope
Hospice and Palliative Care.
Jerry was born on
August 3, 1929 in Little Black Wisconsin to Henry Sr. and Elida (Eckdahl) Ziehlke. Jerry went to a one room school through
eighth grade. At age 11 he worked out
west in the wheat fields. He also worked
on his parent’s farm as a child. Jerry
graduated from high school at age sixteen.
He again went out west to begin his career as a Lineman. At age 18, Jerry married the love of his life
Bernadine (Bernie) Brede on August 3, 1947.
Together they had two daughters.
Jerry and Bernie worked together and had many accomplishments. Jerry worked full-time for the Medford
Electric Utility until he retired.
During those working years, they also raised mink, had a stump removal
business, owned a Montgomery Ward’s Catalog Store and in later years Ziehlke’s
Furniture. He was also a self-taught
carpenter and built 6 homes. In his spare
time, he loved to fish, hunt, camp and travel.
Jerry was a wonderful storyteller with a great sense of humor.
Jerry was preceded
in death by his beloved wife Bernie in 2015.
They were married 68 years and Jerry missed her every day. Jerry was also preceded in death by his
parents and two brothers, Henry Jr. and Roy.
Left to honor Jerry and remember his love are Jerry and
Bernie’s two daughters, Carol (Tom) Ploeckelman, Terrie Revels (Wayne), four
grandchildren Jenna (Mike) Heinz, Ron (Tracy) Ploeckelman, Matthew Czerniak and
Rachel Revels. Four Great Grandsons,
Jacob and Mitchel Heinz and Adam and Andrew Ploeckelman and by his sister
Sharon Frank. Also, many in-laws, nieces
and nephews.
Jerry and his family would like to extend a very grateful
thank you to the wonderful team of Caregivers who lovingly cared for Jerry and
Bernie for over five years.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 27,
2018 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 321 N.
Park Avenue in Medford. Jerry’s family
will greet friends and family at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Burial will
be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Little Black.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been
entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at
www.hemerfuneralservice.com
