Jerome E. Fischer

This. Extraordinary. Man. Jerome Edgar Fischer, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. He fought determinedly, courageously and valiantly against cancer. 

Jerry was born on September 24, 1937 in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where he was a life long resident. He graduated from Cedarburg High School. Jerry and Doris were married on September 13, 1958 at First Immanuel Lutheran Church. Jerry was a deeply faithful man, and his personality and kindness toward others was a reflection of that faith. He cared exponentially about others. He was selfless, compassionate and inclusive, always looking out for other people and wanting to help. 

In Jerry’s early years he worked at Mercury Marine, Cedarburg Dairy, then started his own dairy delivery business. Afterwards, Jerry began working in machinery and lubricant sales, traveling nationally and internationally for his job. He left an impression on colleagues and clients alike, while working at DoAll, Quality Enterprises, Acculube and finally ITW. 

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy, with an Honorable Discharge in 1961. Jerry was an officer and leader in 4-H. He worked tirelessly and wholeheartedly for German Fest Milwaukee from its inception in 1981 until 2021. He served as Chairman of the Board and as a German Fest Director. Initially you could find Jerry managing stages, providing security, and emceeing. He then began handling all of the outside vendors for German Fest for over 30 years. 

Spielmannszug Milwaukee welcomed Jerry as a member, and Jerry and Doris were Prinzenpaar for the 1984-1985 Karneval season. Additionally, in the last five years, Das Fest Wisconsin was delighted to include Jerry as an enthusiastic volunteer. 

Jerry’s passion was with S.V.E.V. D’Oberlandler Milwaukee, a Bavarian folk dancing club which he joined in 1957. For most of his life, Jerry held offices in the club including Vice President, I and II Vorplattler (dance instructor), Theaterleiter, Sergeant at Arms, Fahnentraeger, Librarian, Revisor, Trustee, By-Laws Committee, and was elected delegate to the Drei Trachten Vereine, United German Societies, Profit Corporation, and Gauverband Nordamerika. On January 6, 1979 Jerry was awarded Honorary Mitglied, and on January 16, 1994 he was given the esteemed tribute of Honorary Vorplattler. 

The Gauverband Nordamerika also claimed Jerry as an Executive Board Member and Ehren Gau Officer. He was proficient at judging Gau Preisplatteln competitions. Jerry created the Gau Library in 1976, and held the position of Gau Bibliothekar from 1980 until 2000. Jerry initiated the Beavers International club with a beaver greeting and a slap to the leg, which morphed into an international organization donning t-shirts and ball caps. Only Jerry.

Musicals made Jerry happy, and his favorite was “Carousel”. In his younger years, Jerry joined bowling, softball and basketball teams. He golfed with businessmen, and loved watching his Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. Jerry excelled at deer hunting and even hunted mule deer and elk out west. 

He enjoyed fishing, especially with the F&F fishing club. He enjoyed his membership in the club and held various offices. Jerry was a card shark and could annoyingly remember everyone’s hand. His cottage was his happy place, and he loved his boat and pulling his grandkids skiing and tubing.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris, daughters Debbie (Jeff) Tushaus, Chris (Jamie) Sorensen, Tammy (Mike) Dunn, grandchildren Analiese Tushaus (Alex Look), Lauren (David) Revers, Mathias (Mallory) Tushaus, Erica (Tyson) Roth, Jordan Dunn, Eddie Dunn, great grandchildren Eleanor Look; Nathan, Jacob, Cecilia and Elizabeth Revers; and Brayden Tremble. Jerry is also survived by his brothers Dan, David (Marion) and Gary (Cyndy) Fischer, and his sisters Shari (Dennis) Riley, Julie (Ray) Baca, and Mary Peterson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Siegmar Voss, and many other close relatives who Jerry loved. He is also remembered by a multitude of longtime, treasured friends.

Jerry now joins those who went before him - his parents Elmer and Eleanor (Lueders) Fischer, his in-laws Erich and Herta (Ruegsegger) Voss, his sisters-in-law Mert Fischer, Chary Voss, and Inge Johnson, and his dear friends Alex, Peter and John, who he is most likely creating celestial mischief with. 

Thanks to the many kind, caring staff members at Horizon Hospice, Aurora Medical Center Grafton, and Lawlis Family Hospice. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 12 noon, at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, W67N622 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg. A visitation will take place at the church, on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of service. 

Jerry was a legend. He is irreplaceable. He was so full of life and loved living. He could tell a joke or spin a story like no other. The party never started until Jerry arrived. (Can you hear him yodeling from Heaven?) May Jerry’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed. 

“Immer Lustig.”