Jerry Splitt, age of 90 years, passed away Friday evening, April 17, 2015 at Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living in Tequesta, Florida.
Jerry was born on February 8, 1925 in the town of Union in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. He was the loving son of Herman Splitt and Erna “Genskow“ Splitt. He was married to Rosella (Gruel) Splitt for 60 years. They were married on May 23, 1953. As a young man, Jerry worked on his parents’ farm near Little Falls. At 28, he moved to Milwaukee to pursue a new career. He met the love of his life (Rosella) at the VFW post in Big Falls and they were married shortly thereafter. They had two daughters (Sherry and Susan). Jerry worked as a welder at Wisconsin Electric Power Company in Oak Creek, Wisconsin for 20 years. In 1973 he and Rosella moved up to their second home on Bear Lake in Manawa, Wisconsin and he continued to work as a welder for the Plumber and Pipe Fitter’s Union in Appleton. Their daughter Susan attended school in Manawa where she met the love of life, Thomas Patri. Susan and Thomas later married on May 7, 1983. Sherry remained in Milwaukee, where she pursued a career at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. She met and married the love of her life (Joseph Kattner) on May 18, 1985.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Splitt) Kattner and his loving grandchildren, Jeremy Patri, Josh Patri and Jacob Kattner. He is also survived by his sisters, Arla (Splitt) Kreklow (Manawa) and Darlene (Splitt) Toonen (Little Chute). Jerry is also survived by three nephews, Richard Beil (Marion), Leroy N. Clifton of Naperville, IL and Douglas G. Clifton of Manawa. Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife Rosella who passed away on September 9, 2013 and his dear and loving daughter, Susan (Splitt) Patri who passed away on June 8, 2014. Jerry is also preceded in death by his loving sisters, Elnora “Toots” Clifton, Deloris Beil, and Rosetta Splitt.
In addition to being a master welder, Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and flying airplanes. Jerry acquired his pilot’s license in his twenties and went on to obtain a commercial pilot’s license. He flew to many destinations, including California, Arizona, Florida and Mexico. After retiring to Florida in 1983, he purchased a Deep Sea Fishing boat and also obtained his commercial fishing license. Jerry and Rosella enjoyed many days on the ocean catching and eating their favorite fish, including Snapper and Grouper. Jerry smoked his own fish and threw many “fish fry parties” for his family and friends. He also sold his fish to the local restaurants to help with the cost that comes with owning a boat.
Special thanks go out to the staff of Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living, where Jerry and Rosella resided since February 2011. Special thanks go out to Jerry’s niece, Kathleen Kimball, who was a best friend and confidant to the family throughout the years and will always remain in our hearts and souls forever. Jerry and Rosella wished to thank Susan and Thomas Patri for all their loving support and generosity, which allowed them to thrive and enjoy their final years in a wonderful and loving environment at Tequesta Terrace Assisted Living. The husbands of Susan and Sherry (Thomas Patri and Joseph Kattner) would like to extend their appreciation of loving memories of the fun times fishing, hunting, and also for the support and advice they received from Jerry over the years. His legend and inspirations will sustain our families for generations to come. Jerry is now living the “Good Life.” A small service for family and friends will be held at Big Falls Cemetery at a later date.