Jerome Schleis

Jerome “Jerry” John Schleis, 87, died peacefully from complications of pneumonia on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers with his best friend by his side. Born in Green Bay, WI on February 13, 1935, he was the son of Dr. Wenzel J. and Mary A. (Kraynik) Schleis. Jerry lived in Denmark, WI all his life, until the last two years where he resided in Manitowoc, WI. He graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, and then obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Jerry interned at American Motors in Kenosha, and then worked at Northwest Engineering Company in Green Bay for decades until he retired. After retiring, he traveled to several different states and Puerto Rico. Jerry was a quiet, private, and gentle soul. In his younger years, Jerry went hunting and fishing with his father, who was the town dentist. Jerry loved pizza, James Bond, astronomy, anything Frank Lloyd Wright, car racing, and sport cars – especially his yellow De Tomaso Pantera and then his Dodge Stealth, which he drove until he was 85. He enjoyed putzing around his house, tending to his daylilies and flowers. He would often walk to places in town to do his business. Jerry also looked forward to yearly vacations in Door County for a week at the beach.

Jerry is survived by his longtime sweetheart, Linda (Benecke) Rusche; car buddies Doug Kraynik and Cliff Kane; cousin John “Jack” Schleis and his wife, Betty; godchild, Molly Schleis; and many other cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Harold James. The family wishes to extend a thank you to everyone at Shady Lane in Manitowoc for their care and compassion, especially the HomeCare therapy department (Tanya, Valerie, Amy, Gina) and the 4th floor staff (Yumi, Steve, Tyler, numerous others).

The family also expresses their sincere appreciation to the very special staff of the Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers ICU including Dr. Salmon, nurse Jean, and others, for their care, compassion and support given. In addition, the family would like to thank all the underappreciated, underpaid caregivers and support people in these professions, whose service and dedication, especially in these extremely trying times, is a ray of hope and inspiration.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10am – 11am at Cotter Funeral Home – Denmark Chapel, 536 County Road R, Denmark, WI. A memorial service will follow at 11am. Jerry will be laid to rest in his family’s plot at All Saints Church Cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in Jerry’s memory. Medical masks will be required for the visitation and service.