Gerald “Jerry” L. DeSmet, 76, Marshfield, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at House of the Dove.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Marshfield, where visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time. Rev. Keith Kitzhaber will officiate. The service will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Jerry was born on November 15, 1944, in Superior to Achiel and Mary (Van Massenhove) DeSmet. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Superior and then attended UW-Superior and Winona State University, where he earned his master’s degree in physical education. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Melton in Superior on July 2, 1966.
Jerry began his teaching career with the Marshfield School District in 1968, where he spent his entire career teaching physical education and coaching basketball. He retired in 2001.
He was a member of the WREA, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks.
Jerry loved spending time up north at his cabin, fishing, hunting, and making memories with his family. His grandchildren were a great source of pride for him and attending all of their sporting activities brought him a great amount of joy. His weekly golf outings with friends were a favorite pastime for him as well.
Jerry will definitely be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make you laugh. Most importantly, Jerry loved spending time with his family and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, sons, Jeffrey (Jodie) DeSmet of Holmen and Steven (Shari) DeSmet of Marshfield, daughter, Amy DeSmet of Marshfield, 5 grandchildren, Brandon (Kylie) DeSmet, Haley (Brett) Knudson, Bryce DeSmet, Hunter DeSmet, and Madeline DeSmet, and 2 great-grandchildren, Ceana Knudson and Cyra Knudson. He is further survived by his brothers, Charles (Joanne) DeSmet of Superior, and sisters, Jan (George) Gotelaere of Florida and Susan (Paul) Swaab of Milwaukee.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be designated in Jerry’s name to House of the Dove or Columbus Catholic High School.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Marshfield Medical Center and House of the Dove.
Condolences may be sent at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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