Gerald Jossart
Gerald Louis Jossart, 84, of Green Bay, WI, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Bellin Hospital following a brief illness. Jerry was born in Green Bay on January 31, 1940, to the late George and Eleanor (Nooyen) Jossart. He grew up on his family’s farm in the Luxemburg area and graduated from Luxemburg High School in 1958. Jerry’s children grew up listening to many stories of Jerry’s antics on the family farm with his three brothers, sister and childhood friends.
In 1959, Jerry met the love of his life, Judith VanPay, at a coin shower at the Rendezvous of Luxemburg. Jerry and Judy exchanged marriage vows on June 22, 1963, at Holy Martyrs of Gorcum Catholic Church in Green Bay, WI. Jerry and Judy valued their time with their three children, Julie, Jodie, and Tim, especially time spent up north at the family cottage. He also found much joy watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Jerry served his country with pride and honor from 1958-1965 in the US Army. He was certified as a rifle marksman, and later worked in the mechanical supply chain. During the Berlin Crisis, Jerry served at Fort Lewis, Washington, from October 1961 to August 1962. He was a proud member of the VFW Winiecki Post 9677 in Bellevue. Jerry served as the post advocate and took pride in maintenance and upkeep of the post.
He was employed at Wisconsin Public Service from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. He started as a plant helper at the Pulliam Plant and left as a gas serviceman. Jerry was recognized with the WPS “Service To Life” award in 1989 for his swift action and rescue of an eight member family from a burning home. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 420, serving as a union steward for many years.
Jerry was an avid sports fan. He found great joy in watching all Wisconsin sports teams. After many years on the Packer season ticket waiting list, his wait was over, and Jerry and Judy were able to enjoy many years of games at Lambeau Field. In addition, Jerry played softball and was active in bowling leagues.
He touched many people’s lives through his commitment to service, including his family, church community, fellow veterans, neighbors, and strangers. Faith was core to who Jerry was. Jerry was an active member of his church community, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, he brought comfort to many as a Eucharistic Care Minister at Aurora Hospital and took weekly communion to homebound Prince of Peace parishioners. He was also an active member of the Holy Name Society and the Building and Grounds Committee. Many benefited from Jerry’s fix-it skills. He was always willing to tackle any repair project brought to him; Jerry was the go-to guy when people needed help with their furnace.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Judy; children and their spouses, Julie (Steve) Le, Madison; Jodie (Steve) DeGrave, DePere and Timothy (Kristyn) Jossart, Cincinnati, OH; Grandchildren: Michael (Alison) DeGrave, Anna (Steven Dorumsgaard) DeGrave, Sarah (Pierre) Monvillers, William (fiancée, Annalise Palmer) Jossart, Claire Jossart, and Benjamin Jossart; step granddaughters, Whitney (fiancé, Trevae Ross) Le and Stephanie (fiancé, Ruben Arndt) Le; great-grandchildren, Maggie DeGrave and Khalil Ross; sisters-in-law, Mary Phillips and friend, Lee Haslitt, Green Bay, Collette Jossart, Seymour, Cecelia Jossart and friend, Dennis Dhuey, New Franken, and Judy VanPay, Lynn Haven, FL; many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Ralph and Mabel VanPay; one infant sister, Adeline; brothers, Raphael, Norman, and Joseph Jossart, his sister, Carol Malcore; sister-in-law, Betty Jossart; and brothers-in-law, Ronald VanPay, David Malcore, and Eugene Phillips.
Family and friends may call at Proko Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Thursday, February 22, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. The evening will close with a VFW memorial followed by the parish wake service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd., from 9:00-10:45 am. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Friday at the church with Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Full military honors will take place immediately following the Mass. Burial in the Holy Martyrs Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the Jossart family at www.prokowall.com. To view the funeral Mass via live stream, please go to the parish Facebook page: popgb54311.
Jerry’s family would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Brad Wozney and Dr. Tarek Jazmati as well as all the Bellin Hospital nursing staff, particularly Sarah (your visits always brought Dad a smile and a laugh).