Gerald Joseph Fettes

A man of honor, integrity, and love for his family, Gerald Fettes made a significant imprint in the lives of his many friends and loved ones.

During the early 1940s, countless young American men and women were fighting in WWII overseas while those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods such as coffee, paper, and sugar. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1944 that brought great joy to a bustling family from Racine, Wisconsin, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on February 11th. Gerald Joseph was one of the middle of 11 children born to his parents, Nick and Marie (Henningfield) Fettes, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Nick, Helen, Mary Ann, Judy, Sally, David, Sue, Don, Marlene, and Robert.

Jerry left school before his formal education was completed and enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter on February 20, 1961, when he was just 17. He completed his G.E.D. while in the service. During much of his time in the service Jerry was in different areas in the Pacific including in Guam and Midway during the days of the Vietnam War. He was as crew member of AEWRON One on Lockehead Constellation or “Connies” as they were often called. Jerry’s duties mainly centered on tracking typhoons.

With his military duty fulfilled Jerry returned to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he married Sandy Terry in 1969. Together they were blessed with two children, Kandy and Terry “Putter.” Although his marriage later ended in divorce, Jerry was forever grateful for the children they shared.

In 1969 Jerry began working for his then father-in-law, Jerome Terry, who owned Electro-Kold Corporation. In 1985 Jerry and Jim Mucci formed a partnership and purchased the Electro-Kold Corporation, and in 1992 he became sole proprietor. He continued to own and operate his business until his death.

In February 1988 Jerry married Carol Dahl. They were a great pair who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary just this past February.

Throughout his life Jerry was a man of many interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in Necedah, Wisconsin. Jerry was also an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan.

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Gerald Fettes fully embraced each moment he was given while making priceless memories along the way. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Gerald J. “Feetser” Fettes died on March 7, 2013. Jerry’s family includes his wife, Carol Fettes; children, Kandy Fettes, Putter (Tracy Jorgensen) Fettes; step-children, Jason (Mody Gutierrez) Dahl’ step-grandchildren, Jason (Viviane) Lile, Harrison Dahl, and Lucas Dahl; step-great-grandson, Damien; siblings, Nick (Rose) Fettes, Helen Reesman, Mary Ann Hoffmann, Judy (Tom) Adams, Sally Larson, David (Rita) Fettes, Sue (Bob) Reuss, and Don Fettes; and several other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings, Marlene Jacobs and Robert Fettes. Family and friends will gather Thursday, March 14, 2013, at St. Mary – Dover Parish 23211 Church Road Kansasville, WI 53139 from 3:00 p.m. until time of the Memorial Mass at 6:30 p.m. Private inurnment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI. The family request in lieu of flowers memorials to the Clement Zablocki V. A. Medical Center or Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or photo. Arrangements provided by Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes.