Gerald Donald Pauls (Jerry) of Colgate, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025 at Froedtert Hospital in the arms of his beloved wife Janna. He was 9 days shy of his 78th birthday

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Janna (nee Hill) and his children Stephen (Kimberly), and Lori Higgs (Dan). He leaves behind their six precious grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, Gabrielle Pauls, Xavier, Max, Oliver, and Quincy Higgs. Also, his brother Thomas Pauls (Sandy), Brothers-in-Law Lee Hill (Sherri), Dean Hill (Kathie) Sister-in-law Jill Hill. And many beloved nieces and nephews.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 30, 1947 to Alois John Pauls and Helen (Grabowski) Pauls. Jerry and his older brother Tom grew up in a house that Alois built in a quiet little neighborhood in Greenfield.

After graduating from Greenfield High School, Jerry joined the United States Air Force where he served as a procurement officer at Malmstrom AFB in Montana. He also served for six months in the beautiful country of Guam, which was not a pretty or pleasant place to be during the Vietnam War. It was during that time of military service that he met the love of his life on a blind date, and Jerry and Janna spent the next 56 years as best friends, true loves and sweet companions.

Jerry adored his two children and always tried to be a good example for them. He often said: “They do us proud”. He told his wife and friends that the best thing he ever did was to marry Janna for time and all eternity in the Lord’s temple. She agrees.

As a kid, he sold magazines door to door, then worked in retail, eventually managing a Richman Brothers store in Oshkosh. When his son was born, he shifted to painting, a trade he mastered, working on bridges, buildings, and hospitals, including Milwaukee’s Deaconess Hospital. Long after he left his painting career, Jerry painted and papered homes for numerous friends and family as his way of serving and showing his love for them. With his brother’s help, he got into the furniture business, selling home accessories and décor to furniture stores and catalogs. He was the top salesman for his company, travelling thousands of miles each year, serving customers in his territory of Wisconsin and Illinois. and he did this for 20 years until he retired.

Jerry enjoyed driving, and he loved cars, particularly Corvettes. He had at least one in his “Toy Box” for many years, and he and Janna participated in countless Corvette events, auctions and car shows. They travelled the US, enjoying the “blue roads” where he could see this beautiful country of ours. And to be truthful, to “see what the car was capable of doing”. Other than speeding a bit, Jerry was a law-abiding person, honest and generous to a fault.

Jerry has a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ, and he always tried to follow in His footsteps. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, service, and unwavering faith in God. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and he has served in various capacities in the Lake Michigan Ward.

In his passing, he has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.

A private memorial service is being held for him with his family on August 2nd.