Gerald Ramon Black, age 85, of Deerbrook, died on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Cloverleaf Terrace in Birnamwood. He was born on October 21, 1938 in Kempster, son of the late Milo Black and Marjorie (Hess) Black. He married Kay Erickson on June 9, 1959 at St. John's Catholic Church in Pelican Lake. She survives.
Jerry graduated from Elcho High School in 1956. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959, having served 18 months in Korea. After service, he worked a couple of factory jobs before becoming a heavy equipment operator from 1966 until his retirement in 2001.
He enjoyed playing pool and cribbage. Jerry was a woodworker who made gun cabinets, kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers, and intarsia. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing.
The vacations to Florida with family and the grandchildren were special to him. From 2004 to 2017 he spent winters in Green Valley, Arizona. In 2017 he moved to Arizona until returning to Antigo in 2023.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Kay; a son, Matthew (Susan) of Aniwa; two daughters, Julie (Scott Brown) Black of Farmington, MN and Jill (Rod) Croker of Eagle River; grandchildren, Haylie Black (Brandon Spotswood) of Antigo, Brianna Black of New Berlin, Ashley (Scott) Otte of Randolph, MN, Justin (Emma) Waldvogel of Kenyon, MN, Lane (Makayla) Zalewski of Eagle River, Maddie Black of Aniwa; great-grandchildren, James, Beti Rose, and Sylvie Mae Spotswood, and Lucy and Levi Otte; a sister-in-law, Judith Black of Deerbrook; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Black; sister, Pat Burman; infant sister, Joanne; stepmother, Inez; infant grandson, Gregory; father and mother-in-law Erick and Genevieve Erickson; brothers-in-law, Bill Burman, Arvid Erickson, Alfred Rolain; sisters-in-law, Elna Erickson and Nannette Erickson; nieces, Michelle Koss, Colleen Krivoshein, Yasamyne Erickson, and Jenifer Erickson.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann concelebrating.
Burial will take place in the St. Wencel Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 10 from 5 to 6: 30 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in Jerry's name may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 294 Antigo, WI 54409 or www.dav.org
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gerald Black, please visit our Tribute Store
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Deerbrook, WI 54424
We're so sorry to hear, Kay. Jerry was such a nice man.
Dan & Renée Wink
Praying for God's peace and comfort to be with you Kay, Matt,Julie, Jill and all of Jerry's loved ones. I remember you all with fondness. Jerry wasa kind man..
Pat Bierdemann
Sending healing prayers comforting hug. I am sorry for your loss. I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.Basket Of Beauty was purchased for the family of Gerald Black by Laurie Douglas.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gerald Black by Mark & Patty Gutteter.
Sending our love and condolences to Jill and family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Love, Travis and Gina AnstutzFlorist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gerald Black by Anonymous. A tree was also planted in memory of Gerald Black
In Gods arms may you gently rest! With our deepest sympathy and love always!!Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Gerald Black by Ray, Sandy and Merry.
The Kempster Millpond reflects endless memories of the Black dynasty in my mind.
Morrie,Lois,Larry and Sue in the lil white house on the left. Uncle Jack and his dog Joe across the road. Milton's memorial right next door.Grandpa Black's cabin,just a stones throw away. Mike and Judy with a house full of cousins. Uncle Mike and Inez on the point,Jerry ,Kay and kids not far down the road.
Can picture now, a grand family reunion going on now in Grandpa Bobs dance hall. Bleachers full at the ballpark.Train horn still sounds like it use to. Thanks for the memories.
HUGS AND CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE BLACK'S
My nickname was "Crash"...the best 2nd Dad a girl could ever dream of having...I love you Mr. Black!!! Your 3rd daughter, Cherish 💔