Gerald Edward Jasper, 89, completed his journey from his earthly home to his Eternal Home on Sunday, February 16th, 2025.

Jerry was born April 6th, 1935, to Edward and Gertrude (Martin) Jasper in Chippewa Falls, WI where he then grew up.

In 1953, he graduated from McDonell High School.  Upon graduation, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Riley, Kansas, from 1953-1959.  He was a member of the 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One).  Additionally, he served in the WI National Guard from 1959-1963.  Military occupational specialties included Staff Sergeant and Drill Sergeant.

On August 10th, 1957, Jerry married Mavis Nelsestuen at St Charles Church.  They were married for 55 years and had 5 children; Tom, Steve, Mark, Carol, and Billy.

In 1969, in addition to all the responsibilities he and Mavis had, Jerry was able to graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a Bachelor Social Work (BSW) degree.  He used his education and experience to serve many people and provide for his family.  A highlight of Jerry’s career was working with the clients and staff at Norther WI, Center for the Developmentally Disabled for many years. He also developed the first group homes in the State of Wisconsin to allow people at the center to live in lesser restrictive environments.

Jerry’s life was characterized by his profound love of God and family.  He faithfully studied God’s word for over 40 years.  Jerry told people that the BIBLE was “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”.  Over a 10-year span, he served with “Youth on a Mission” (YWAM) to help people in Monterrey and the small villages in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.  He gave them Bibles, food and clothing, and helped with various construction projects, thereby showing them God’s love in practical ways.  Jerry had a genuine and beautiful way of relating to people with love, joy, and a kind and gentle spirit.

In October, 1995, Jerry joined one million men in Washington, D.C., solely to pray for our country which he loved dearly, despite its many problems.

For over 25 years, Jerry so enjoyed his annual fishing trips via 70 miles into the bush in Canada!  He was a member of Promise Keepers, Christian Outdoorsman and Full Gospel Businessmen.

Some years after his wife Mavis’ death, Jerry married Marilyn Harycki on April 28th, 2015, and they were blessed with nearly 10 years of marriage.

Jerry is survived by: his wife Marilyn; son’s Thomas (Cathy); Stephan (Sheri) and William (Nancy) and daughter, Carol Jasper.  His is further survived by in-laws; Sheldon (Bonnie) Hanson, Diane (Ardell) Thorson, Karen Lyon and Darlene Gabriel; Thomas (Renee) Harycki, Ginger (Ron) Stone, David (Susan) Harycki and Steven (Veronica) Harycki.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; cousins Eileen Sommerfeld and the Smetana families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis, son, Mark Jasper, his parents and brothers, Donald and Robert Jasper.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wickman and the Mayo Cardiology staff; Dr. Premley, Amber, and the Urology Staff; Dr. Rick Kline and staff; and Lily Home Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Crossroads Church in Chippewa Falls.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Friends may call one hour before the services at Crossroads Church.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Gerald Edward Jasper were held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 21 at Crossroads Church in Chippewa Falls.

Chaplain Mark Schwinn officiated at the service and at the prayers of interment in Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Casket bearers were Carol Jasper,  Stephan, Thomas and William Jasper, David, Steven and Tom Harycki and Ron Stone.