Jerome F. Schildgen

Jerome F. Schildgen, age 81, of Almond, Wisconsin passed away from cancer complications Monday morning, April 27, 2020 in the care of ThedaCare Hospice in Waupaca.

He was born January 17, 1939 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the son of Firmin and Katherine (Knapp) Schildgen, growing up on the family farm. After Jerry served his country in the United States Army, he married Karlene Otzelberger on May 13, 1967. They were blessed with nearly 53 years of marriage and a loving daughter, Kris.

He and Karlene continued the family tradition of operating Otzelberger’s Tap in Menomonee Falls, WI until retiring from that work in 1988. Jerry and Karlene then moved to the woods in rural Almond where he built a home, worked the farm fields for Seneca Foods, enjoyed the outdoors, and played cards with his friends and grandchildren. Jerry will be remembered by his family and friends for his work ethic, sense of humor, love of a good practical joke, and generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Karlene A. Schildgen, Almond; his daughter, Kris (Dean Pribbenow) Mickelson, Madison; and his loving grandchildren Emma, Leah, and Sam.  He is also survived by 9 of his 12 siblings including Shirley Ellis, Ruth Southworth, Jean (Larry) Brandemuehl, Mark (Mary) Schildgen, Karen (Jerry) Olson, Linda Schildgen, Betty Ritter, Rachael (Jack) Fahser, and Pat (Larry) Thompson, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Ivan “Ike” Schildgen, Irene Adams, and John “Jack” Schildgen; brothers-in-law Ron Ellis, Charlie Adams, Merle Ritter, and Dave Southworth; and parents-in-law Carl and Pearl Otzelberger.

A public graveside service will take place at the St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Plainfield, WI after the ban on public gatherings has lifted.  Memorials can be made on behalf of Jerry to ThedaCare Hospice Foundation with gratitude for their incredible care (www.thetacare.org/donations or 1818 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI, 54911).