Jean Louise Gerber (nee Drexel) age 90 entered into eternal life at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, Sheboygan Falls, WI on October 27, 2025.
She was born on January 19, 1935 to the late Lillian and Vern Drexel in Fond du Lac WI. She graduated from Goodrich High School in 1953 and in 1959 she graduated from Fond Du Lac Vocational College earning her degree in nursing. She began her nursing career as an LPN in geriatric nursing at Rocky Knoll and other various facilities over the years. On October 12, 2025 she was honored with a living tribute from the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard recognizing her service and dedication to the field of nursing which was such an incredible gift!
On September 30, 1961, she married Richard “Dick” Gerber at Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth, WI. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2015. They began their life together in Illinois and in 1971 they moved to Palmyra, WI. As well as being an accomplished nurse, she was also an amazing seamstress and in 1974 she opened her own shop which eventually lead to building a new store on Main Street in Palmyra, called Jean’s Kountry Korner right next to her beloved Victorian home where she and Dick were raising their 3 children. Jean also served 4 years on the Palmyra-Eagle School Board.
In 1983, they moved to Plymouth and she quickly picked up where she left off and opened another sewing shop, Gerber Sewing Center. She was a well known Bernina and Pfaff sewing machine dealer and served Plymouth and surrounding communities for over 30 years. She loved the art of sewing and thoroughly enjoyed teaching and sharing her knowledge with her customers and friends.
During those 30 years, the business evolved with the addition of commercial custom embroidery and PJ’s Embroidery was the perfect fit to her sewing business with her youngest daughter Paula at her side.
Mom was an incredible person. Her love for her family was boundless and she was a devoted friend to many. Aside from being a master seamstress, Mom was a fabulous cook and for the holidays she always made an absurd amount of Christmas cookies, Fudge and her amazing Mounds Bars. She also loved to talk politics and was a proud member of the Sheboygan County Women’s Republican Party and served as its secretary for a number of years.
Her greatest joys were her three children that she was so proud of and her 6 wonderful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Her love for them was immeasurable and she treasured every minute spent with them.
Survivors include daughter Pam Colburn, Steve (Tammy) Gerber, Paula (Paul) Cudworth, Grandchildren, Katelyn (Ben) Kelly, Kendra Colburn (special friend Jacobey Koutsky) Jonah (Holly) Gerber, Addisyn Gerber (special friend Jake Block), Lauryn (Gabe) Lavelle, and Garett Cudworth (special friend, Macie Brogan) Great grandchildren Bentley Korbyn Scharrer and Lily Jean Lavelle and a third great grandchild due in June 2026. Brothers Roy Drexel, Bill Drexel and Sisters in Law Kay Drexel and Linda Drexel and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her parents, brothers Vern “Babe” Drexel, Harry Drexel, brothers Ron Drexel, Wayne Drexel, sister Faith Mitchell,her sisters in law Eleanor Drexel, Judith Drexel, Betty Drexel, Carol Freno, Judith Schulenberg, brother in law Dewey Schulenberg, Edwin Freno, and her dear son in law Jeff Colburn.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Visitation will take place from 10:00am – 12:00pm, with a prayer service to follow at 12:00pm. Pastor Dale Miller will officiate and inurnment will be in the Plymouth Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Salvation Army and/or Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Our family wishes to thank Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, especially Michelle for her wonderful care and compassion that she provided. Also many thanks to Mom’s favorite assisted living care givers, Lori, Laquita, Elizabeth, Pam, Kim and Kari.
There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible, a wound that will never quite heal. We were raised by the most amazing woman and we will carry her love with us wherever we go. Her memory will be our strength on the days we are weak. Mom, thank you for loving us and guiding us through life. Our love for you is infinite and we will miss you so very much. You were the best Mom we could have ever asked for.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
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