Jerry Kellner, age 91, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon on September 23,
2019. He was born on March 22, 1928, in Sheboygan to the late William F. and Hulda (Schmidt)
Kellner.
On September 4, 1948, Jerry was united in marriage to Terese Marie (Terry) Sonntag at Holy Name
of Jesus Catholic Church, where they have been lifelong members. Terry preceded him in death on
December 16, 2016.
Jerry devoted his life and his love to his wife Terry, and to their nine children. Terry and Jerry shared
wonderful memories, traveling to destinations in the States and Abroad. A special joy for Jerry during
their trip to Austria was when he danced The Blue Danube Waltz with Terry at a grand ballroom in
Vienna and received a standing ovation from the orchestra when their dance ended. His natural
baritone voice was easily recognized and made many heads turn while singing in church or while
singing the National Anthem. He loved to sing.
Jerry served his country during WWII by joining the Coast Guard at age 17. A highlight
commemorating his service was an Honor Flight trip with his brother Ken, accompanied by his sons
Tom and Tim. Jerry always expressed great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren.
Also, of great importance to Jerry was being part of his work family at Plastics Engineering Company
for over 43 years. It was at PLENCO where he made many lasting friendships. Jerry frequently
praised the supportive and caring atmosphere at his place of work. The Brotz family and the people
at Plastics Engineering played an integral role in the well being of his family.
Jerry is survived by nine children, Kathleen Haemer, Kenneth J. (Lori) Kellner, Steven (Roxanne)
Kellner, Thomas (Mary) Kellner, Timothy (Lisa) Kellner, Jay (Sue) Kellner, Angela Felde, William
(Dee) Kellner, and Nicholas (Sandy) Kellner.
Twenty-two grandchildren, Joseph (Yi-Hsing Chen) Haemer, Matthew (Emily) Haemer, Karen (Chris)
Birling, Kristine (Josh) Sova, Paul (Bri) Kellner, Sara (Josh) James , Alex Kellner, Kevin Kellner,
Rebecca Kellner, Olivia Kellner, Adam Kellner, Ryan (Olivia) Kellner, Molly (Richard) Witt, Mike
(Olga) Felde, Chris (Lori) Felde, Jessie Felde, Tiffany Felde,, Zachary Kellner, Isabel Kellner, Jessica
Kellner, Ruby Kellner, and Ava Kellner.
Seventeen great-grandchildren, Ethan Haemer, Elliot Haemer, Chloe Haemer, Anna Haemer, Luke
Haemer, Clara Haemer, Lydia Birling, William Birling, Caroline Birling, Kayla Sova, Grayson Sova,
Sawyer Sova, Ashley Felde, Michael Paul Felde, Alex Felde, Andrew Felde, and Giovanni Santiago.
He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth W. Kellner; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and
Gene Heller, his daughter-in-law, Joan Turba, and a brother-in-law Vince Sonntag.
In addition to his parents and wife Terry, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Kellner;
mother and father-in-law, Isabel and Joseph Sonntag; son-in-law, Paul Felde; grandsons, Jamie
Kellner and Doug Felde; and great-granddaughter, Rose Haemer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 27, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Holy
Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 818 Huron Ave., Sheboygan, with Father Norberto Sandoval
officiating. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of
mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mary Gentine, Sheboygan and the ICU
staff at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
