Gerald Jerry

Gerald “Jerry” Leo Gaynor, 90, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Countryside Manor in
Sheboygan.
He was born in Plymouth on March 15, 1931, to the late Leo and Leona (Burkhardt) Gaynor. Jerry grew
up in Richland Center, WI, graduating from high school in 1949. He attended Loras College in Dubuque,
IA. Following military service during the Korean War, Jerry graduated from UW-Lacrosse in 1954,
majoring in education. In 1955 he married the former Rose Ognacevich.
Jerry taught at both Longfellow Elementary School and Wilson Elementary School. Jerry also completed
graduate work toward a masters degree in curriculum and instruction. Jerry also worked for the
Sheboygan Recreation Department in various capacities and taught remedial classes in math and
language arts.
He was a past member of the Sheboygan Education Association, National Education Association, and WI
Education Association Council. After retiring in 1991, he became a member of Sheboygan County Area
Retired Teachers Association and WI Retired Educators Association.
Jerry is survived by his children; Therese (Peter) Holzwart of Waukesha, Roseann (Mark) Schuchardt of
Elkhart Lake, John (Tracy) Gaynor of Sheboygan, and Brian (Julia) Gaynor of Portland, OR, grandchildren;
Stephanie (Dan) Garcia, Caroline (Alex) Hinze, Adam (Emily) Holzwart, Katrina (Komlan) Assignon,
Karissa, Marielle, Kirk Schuchardt, Mercedes (Jonathan) Olson, and Max and Rachel Gaynor, great-
grandchildren; Benjamin and Austin Garcia, Reagan and Isla Hinze, and Oliver and Leo Holzwart, and a
great-granddaughter Maelys Assignon, and sisters, Janet Janak of Denver, CO and Veronica Stoltz of
Bismarck, ND; sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews further survive.
Along with Rose and his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a 5-year-old son Paul, a grandson Quinn
and brothers-in-law Donald Stoltz and Peter Janak.
A Private Family Mass with military honors will be held at a later date. Jerry will be laid to rest next to
Rose at Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan.
Dad will be remembered as an excellent teacher giving in full measure for his students’ education. He
was a good father, leaving us with memories of family bike rides, popcorn night, brat frys at Evergreen
Park and more. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dad loved our
mother all of their 65 years of marriage. He heroically cared for her during their last years together.
Dad was a lifelong Catholic and proud of his Irish heritage. He loved to tell a good story.
Oh dad, we’ll miss you so!
A memorial fund has been established in Jerry’ name.
The family would like to thank the staff at both Countryside Manor and Sharon S. Richardson
Community Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Jerry.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com