Gerald H. Herbst, Sr. 'Jerry'

Herbst, Gerald H. Sr. Of Grafton. Born into Eternal Life on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the age of 88 years. Beloved husband of Lois (nee Birdsong) for 65 years. Jerry and Lois took literally the words from the Bible, “Increase and Multiply”. He was the Loving Dad of Mike (Martie), Kathy, Denis, Jerry Jr. (Patrice), Theresa (Todd) St. Louis and Patsy (Mike) Wilhelme special friend to Joe Miller Sr. and Donn Hoffmann. Proud Grandpa of Joey (Andi) Miller, Bobbie Jo Perez, Sara (Winston) Ryan, Brian (Mary), Laura (Sloan) Allen, Adam Miller, Amy (Sam) Cox, Mike Jr. (Jen), John (Amy), Craig (Becky) St. Louis, David (April), Caydee (Eric) Depies, Brandon (Alyssa), Caree (Scott) Krenzke, Jacob (Jamie) Wilhelme, Andrew Wilhelme, Mike/Alex Wilhelme (Tricia Jackson) and Thomas Wilhelme. Jerry was also proud to have been blessed with 34 Great Grandchildren. His face never lit up more than when a new baby was placed in his arms. Further survived by his brother Kenneth, Sister-in-laws, Mary Cosgrove and Phyllis (John) Blahna and many relatives and friends. He proudly served in the Army in World War II He worked for Wilson Sporting goods where he made custom shoes for pro athletes. He loved music and was proud to sing in the Men’s choir @ St. Elizabeth’s in Milwaukee. He spread that love of music by singing to his family right up to the end of his earthly life. He grew up working on the farm where he found his love for gardening. He so enjoyed, Rummaging with his best friend Mike Terwelp, fishing with his sons, son-in-laws and grandsons and camping with the CFM (Catholic family movement) group. He had a heart and passion for the poor and homeless. Along with life-long friends he made through the CFM group at St. Joe’s, he was instrumental in starting up the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Joe’s in Grafton and feeding the homeless at St. Ben’s in Milwaukee. He loved volunteering at the Family Tree Residential Facilities where he met so many wonderful people. He will be greatly missed, but we will never forget his words he so often told us, “I love YOU and God loves YOU”! Memorial Mass will be Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 11:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington Street in Grafton. Family will receive relatives and friends at church on Wednesday from 9:30am until the time of Mass. Inurnment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Cemetery: Private Memorials to St. Vincent De Paul Society appreciated.