WATERTOWN, Wis. - Jerome "Jerry" P. Birkholz, 81, of Watertown, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at U.W. Hospital in Madison, Wis.
Jerry was born on June 18, 1931 in St. James, the son of Ernst and Margaret (Braun) Birkholz. He was a 1952 graduate of DMLC and later received his master's degree from Michigan State. Jerry married Carolyn McCrory on Aug. 14, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. Jerry worked as a teacher and an administrator for over 50 years, having worked at: Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Mich., Minnesota Valley H.S. in New Ulm, Michigan Lutheran H.S. in St. Joseph, Mich., St. Peter in Fort Collins, Colo. and St. Mathew's in Oconomowoc, Wis. He continued to work as a substitute well into his retirement. Jerry was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Watertown and was an active member of OWLS.
Survivors include: wife Carolyn Birkholz of Watertown; three children Mark (Lin) Birkholz of Thornton, Colo., Sharon (Larry) Favorite of Eagle River, Wis., and Carol (Dan) Markgraf of Cincinnati, Ohio; 11 grandchildren Megan (Tim), Neil (Becky), Andrew (Ashley), Margo (Joel), Ryan (Amelia), Jason (Kaili), Nicholas, Michael, Aaron, Maggie and Morgan; two sisters Verna Abendroth of Waterloo and Gretchen Short of Santa Rosa, Calif.; also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a sister. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Minnesota Valley Lutheran H.S., OWLS, St. Luke's Lutheran Church or any WELS-related ministries would be appreciated.
Article Photos
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 28, 2012 11 AM at St. Luke's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Anthony Schultz and Rev. Mark Gartner presiding. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the beginning of the service.
Pederson Funeral Home Watertown is caring for the family. On-Line condolences may be made at www.pedersonfuneralhomes.com