Gerald Gaynor

Gerald "Jerry" Leo Gaynor, 90, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Countryside Manor in Sheboygan.

He was born in Plymouth on March 15, 1931, to the late Leo and Leona (Burkhardt) Gaynor.  Jerry grew up in Richland Center, WI, graduating from high school in 1949.  He attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA.  Following military service during the Korean War, Jerry graduated from UW-Lacrosse in 1954, majoring in education. In 1955 he married the former Rose Ognacevich.

Jerry taught at both Longfellow and Wilson Elementary Schools.  He completed graduate work towards a masters degree in curriculum and instruction.  Jerry also worked for the Sheboygan Recreation Department in various capacities and taught remedial classes in math and language arts.

He was a past member of the Sheboygan Education Association, National Education Association, and WI Education Association Council.  After retiring in 1991, he became a member of Sheboygan County Area Retired Teachers Association and WI Retired Educators Association.

Jerry is survived by his children; Therese (Peter) Holzwart of Waukesha, Roseann (Mark) Schuchardt of Elkhart Lake, John (Tracy) Gaynor of Sheboygan, and Brian (Julia) Gaynor of Portland, OR, grandchildren; Stephanie (Dan) Garcia, Caroline (Alex) Hinze, Adam (Emily) Holzwart, Katrina (Komlan) Assignon, Karissa, Marielle, Kirk Schuchardt, Mercedes (Jonathan) Olson, and Max and Rachel Gaynor, great-grandchildren; Benjamin and Austin Garcia, Reagan and Isla Hinze, Oliver and Leo Holzwart, and Maelys Assignon; and sisters, Janet Janak of Denver, CO and Veronica Stoltz of Bismarck, ND; many nieces and nephews further survive.

Along with Rose and his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a 5-year-old son Paul; a grandson Quinn; brothers-in-law, Donald Stoltz, Peter Janak, Elias Ognacevich, George Ognacevich, Michael Ognacevic, Stephen Ognacevic, Peter Ognavic, and George Ognacevich and sisters-in-law, Anne Wilsing, Eva Repphun, Mary Ritchie, Katherine Reano and Dorothy Govek.

A Private Family Mass with military honors will be held at a later date.  Jerry will be laid to rest next to Rose at Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan.

Dad will be remembered as an excellent teacher giving in full measure for his students’ education.  He was a good father, leaving us with memories of family bike rides, popcorn night, brat frys at Evergreen Park and more.  He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Dad loved our mother all of their 65 years of marriage.  He heroically cared for her during their last years together.  Dad was a lifelong Catholic and proud of his Irish heritage.  He loved to tell a good story.

Oh dad, we’ll miss you so!

A memorial fund has been established for a scholarship in Jerry’s name.  Any memorials can be sent to Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N 8th St. Sheboygan, WI 53081.

The family would like to thank the staff at both Countryside Manor and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Jerry.