Gerald Frank “Jerry” Heling , age 85 of Shawano, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday evening, December 29, 2016 with his loving family at his side.
Jerry was born March 31, 1931 on his family farm in Shawano, to the late Robert and Maggie (Brusewitz) Heling. He attended a one room school house in Shawano and later graduated from Shawano High School. Following school he entered the United States Army. He was with the 127th Airborne Battalion, Company A, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
On July 11, 1953 he was united in marriage to the former Ruth Wepner at Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa. The couple lived in Shawano most of their married life. Jerry was employed at the United States Post Office in Shawano as a mail carrier. He retired after 25 years of service.
Jerry was a good and faithful member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. He served in several capacities at St. James, including as an Elder, usher, and was former President of the PTA. Jerry loved to work with his hands, and built many things for his children and grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. A devoted family man, Jerry was extremely proud of his grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth, of Shawano, three children, Vicky (Phillip) Ostwald of Glenview, IL, Steven (Marilyn) Heling of Sheboygan, WI, and Brenda (Bruce) Scarbeary of Roanoke, IL; his grandchildren, Layne Heling, Matthew Ostwald, Andrew Heling, Anna Heling, Bethany Ostwald, Joshua Scarbeary, Ben Ostwald, Amber, and Tim Scarbeary; and Jerry’s sister, Virginia Utke. He was preceded in death by his sister, Junis, and his brothers, Milan, Kenneth, Vernon, and Orline.
Funeral services for Gerald Frank Heling will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church of Shawano. Pastor Timm Griffin will officiate. Interment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the hour of service.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family prefers memorials to St. James Lutheran Church or School.