Gerald "Jerry" Solper Jr.

Gerald K Solper Jr born October 28, 1959 passed away after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Throughout Jerry's cancer journey he displayed courage and unwavering hope, inspiring everyone who knew him.

In high school he started working as a pizza driver for Danny's Pizza in De Pere. Upon graduation from East High School in 1978 he joined the local John Deere company, Wegner Implement. He was there for 20 years and then when they were bought out by Riesterer & Schnell he worked for them another 15 years.

While with these companies he hauled John Deere equipment around the Midwest. Then he became a technician working on all types of equipment. He then worked in the parts department until health issues took over.

Since Jerry was a little boy, his most passionate hobby was trains. For all his trains, he took pride in building most of the scenery in all his layouts. He was extremely proud of his garden railroad in his backyard, which was still a work in progress...

He also took great interest in building all sorts of models, especially muscle cars and semis.

Jerry and his wife enjoyed bicycling the Rails to Trails, especially the

Elroy-Sparta State trail. They also traveled across the state to numerous train shows. They also enjoyed camping with their RV across WI. The most memorable trip was the family vacation to Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Sr. and Dorothy (Van Den Plas) Solper.

One sister Karen.

Also his in-laws, John and Laura Bangert, and a brother-in-law Douglas Bangert.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, and stepdaughter Pamela Bangert.

Also his sisters-in-laws, Pat and Steve O'Sullivan, Yvonne and Ben Robling, and Donna Bangert (Mike Johnson).

His close longtime friend Jason, and many other family members and friends.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Wednesday, October 8 from 4-7pm with a prayer service to conclude the evening at 7pm. Visitation will continue at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane, Green Bay, on Thursday, from 10:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Adam Bradley officiating.