Gerald (Jerry) Duain Herdendorf, 80, of Sullivan passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 3, 2016.

Jerry was born on October 27, 1936 in Rome, WI to Ralph and Dorothy (Krening) Herdendorf.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1954 and married the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Westphall on June 1, 1957.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their children Tammy (Daryl) Payne of Sullivan and Timothy also of Sullivan. Grandchildren, Trista (Cory) Hertel of DeForest, Derek (Emily) Payne of Madison, Courtney (James) Jurczyk of Fort Atkinson, Brent Payne of Sullivan and Rebecca Payne of Milwaukee; and great grandchildren, Emmalee, Evelyn, Ezra and Ellora Hertel. He is further survived by his nephew, Jeff Herdendorf, and niece, Wendy Will, as well as his sister-in-law, Donna Westphall, and her children, Dennis and Dan Griesemer.

Jerry was also a member of the Jefferson National Guards. During the Berlin Crisis in 1961, he was called up to go to the State of Washington. Kathy joined him, and the two spent a year in Washington before returning to Rome to start their family.

Jerry was very active in the community during his life, playing on the Rome Baseball team during his early years and serving as a member of the Rome Fire Department, as well as a Cub Scout Master.

Jerry served more than 30 years as a foreman at Waukesha Engine/Dresser before retiring in 2000. He also tended bar at various super clubs in the area, including Hartung’s in Pipersville, Morry’s House of Prime in Sullivan and Stormer’s in Rome.

In addition to community involvement, Jerry and Kathy opened their home and hearts to many people through the years. In Rome, neighbor Pam (Barnes) Hainstock was a childhood friend of Tammy and Tim and was treated like family. In 1982, they welcomed an AFS student, Isabel Tamayo from Peru.

Jerry was a passionate Packer fan and never shied away from an opportunity to talk about the current season or share memories from the countless games he attended with his family and friends. He was in attendance for some of the Green and Gold’s most historic moments, including the 1967 Ice Bowl and XXXII Super Bowl.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Dorothy Herdendorf, sister Lucille Schultz, bother Vernon Herdendorf, brother-in-law, Arnold (Tom) Schultz and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) Herdendorf.

Jerry has touched many lives during his life through his love of people, positive spirit and bright smile. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home 121 Cross Street, Oconomowoc on Friday, December 9, from 5-8 pm and on Saturday, December 10 at St. Mary Help of Christians W856 Hwy 18 Sullivan at 10 am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00.

A quote from his loving wife, “Jerry, I will love you forever, you will always live in my heart.”