Gerald (Jerry) Groth was born in Milwaukee in 1938 to Hilbert & Mary Groth.  He graduated from Pius XI High School and served a patternmaker apprenticeship at the Allis-Chalmers Corporation. Jerry worked at Badger Pattern most of his career, advancing to Vice President and retiring after 40 years with the company.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Hurley, in 1959. Their love for each other grew over the next 62 years and they remained a wonderful example to their family of true commitment and partnership.

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Jerry was so proud of his children, Michael (Linda), David (Kathy), John (Liz) & Tom (Shari Lynn), his grandchildren, Jessica (Nate) Olson, Katherine (Brendan) Pettit, Clayton Groth, Sarah Groth, Michelle Groth, Nathan Evans, Spencer Evans, Brooke Evans & Preston Frise, and great-grandchildren, Jack and Evelyn Olson & Josephine Pettit. All brought him joy, love and endless pride and he was adored by each and every one.

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Jerry was the older (and favorite) brother of Russell (Penny) Groth. Jerry was also lucky to have nine wonderful nieces and nephews (Tom, Margaret, Ann, Joe, Jennifer, Maggie, Jim, Steve & Carrie), all of whom loved and will greatly miss their Uncle Jerry.
 
Jerry embraced a life of collecting memories and pursuing adventures. He looked forward to visiting his family all across the country.  He and Pat traveled the world together, eagerly seeking new encounters with excitement and enthusiasm and, of course, making new friends along the way.  He charged into unchartered territory, training and becoming an EMT in his 60s. Jerry passed this confident and adventurous spirit on to each member of his family.
 
Jerry loved his cabin and time on Lake Tomahawk.  Many of his best memories with family and friends were forged at the lake.  He hunted and fished for decades with his boys, boated and relaxed with generations of family, and absorbed the beauty and tranquility of northern Wisconsin, always appreciative of what it afforded him.
 
Jerry valued his friends.  He looked forward to Breakfast Club with his best buddies, trips to the theater and new restaurants, a successful outing to Potawatomi and his time at the West Allis Woodworking Club.   Jerry was a skilled woodworker, a lifelong passion that he shared with others. Those who know him well may have one of his beautifully crafted woodworking gifts proudly displayed in their home.  And his annual fishing trips to Canada over his Birthday Week were filled with laughs and countless fish tales.
 
Jerry thrived at entertaining people and making them laugh.  He was a great storyteller and gentle practical joker.  He was especially famous with the younger generation for his magic Flying Penny Game and his epic Easter Egg Hunts.
 
Jerry was a natural at connecting with people.  Anyone who encountered him knew him for his positivity and ever-present smile.  He had a way of putting you at ease with his kindness, warmth and thoughtfulness.  We all remember him gently taking us by the forearm to let us know that he was there, listening intently to anything you had to say.
 
Jerry lived a full and amazing life.  He was deeply loved and he effortlessly returned that love to those around him.  We are all much better and kinder for having had him in our lives.  We will miss our husband, Dad, Grandpa/Great-Grandpa and friend.

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A private burial will take place and a Celebration of Life for Jerry’s family and many friends will be held Summer 2022.

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Memorials in Jerry's name, if desired, may be sent to Hunger Task Force, 201 S. Hawley Court, Milwaukee, WI 53214 or the non-profit of your choice.