Gerald "Jerry" Wilbur Hovind

Gerald “Jerry” Wilbur Hovind, age 82, of Appleton, was called home on Friday, July 17, 2020 with family at his side. The son of the late Howard M. and Vivian (Nutting) Hovind was born January 2, 1938 in La Crosse, WI. Jerry attended Washburn School for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing in LaCrosse, where he met his lifelong friend, Howie. In 1958, he graduated from Central High School in LaCrosse. Then in 1962, Jerry moved to Appleton to take a position of Lab Tech at The Institute of Paper Chemistry. He became involved in the YMCA groups, the YMCA Wisemen and the Young Adult Club, where he was the group president. During his time in the Young Adult Club, he met his future wife, Keran Rader. They were married on June 5, 1965 at All Saints Episcopal Church, in Appleton. Both Jerry and Keran were Sunday School Teachers at All Saints while their children were younger. He was an avid bowler, and on several teams, including a couple’s league with Keran. His love of trains started at a very young age, as his grandfather was a conductor for the railroad in La Crosse. Jerry loved chess and taught his grandchildren. He was a collector of many things, coins, train collectables, pens and red spoons. Jerry was a big fan of the metric system, and we will have to look elsewhere for a conversion chart. He also enjoyed the Weather Channel and his standing date with his friend Judge Judy, every day between 4 and 5pm.
Jerry was a loving, giving, caring, strong, honest, smart and understanding man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. We are all better for what he brought to our lives and will all be missing a huge piece of our hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Keran, his children: Laura (Kurt) Fulcer, Tim (Dana) Hovind and Dianna (Eric) Hovind-Stroemer, and grandchildren Benjamin (Kaitlyn), Alyssa (Jason), Josh, Rachel, Andy, Carrisa “Chris”, Michael and “Little Man” Donte 5 great-grandchildren; Emma and Ellie, Sheldon, Lillian and Avery. Jerry is further survived by his brother, Neil (Linda) Hovind and sister, Arlene (Brian) Lauttamus as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and all the other “Adopted” children and grandchildren through the years.
Family and friends may visit at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond Street, Appleton, on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 1:00pm until the time of service at 3:00pm with Fr. Ralph Osborne of St. Thomas Episcopal Church officiating. Those who are not able to attend may join via Facebook live on Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care Facebook page. An additional public celebration of life will be held at a later date when health concerns are not as great.
For the visitation and service, mask wearing, and social distancing is encouraged per health guidelines. Please bring a mask to wear. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund as been established.

Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Appleton Fire Department First Responders, Gold Cross Ambulance, and the numerous medical staff at ThedaCare Appleton and Neenah who worked so hard for him. Also thank you to our Neighbors Ronnie and Barb, Vick and Cindy for all your help.