Gerald Eugene Voelker, 82, of Sheboygan, WI passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan, surrounded by his children. He died as the result of complications from a stroke. He was a loving father and friend to many, and his death leaves a lasting void in the hearts of those who loved him.
Born March 3, 1944, Jerry was the son of Elmer Carl Voelker and Viola Marie Perronne. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Carl Voelker, and is survived by his brothers, Ronald James Voelker Sr. and Delbert Lloyd Voelker.
An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Jerry served his country honorably from 1968-1970 and received multiple medals acknowledging his service. Deployment to Vietnam led to a life-long camaraderie with veterans and veteran causes, and he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion later in life.
His life was also grounded in faith as a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he exemplified the values he lived by—service, humility, and care for others.
For many years, Jerry was the Boy Scout troop leader in Elkhart Lake, giving his time to guide young men at a formative stage in their lives. Because of his work, a generation of scouts learned skills and had experiences that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible.
Before retirement, Jerry worked for many years as a maintenance man at Tecumseh Engines (Diecast) in Sheboygan Falls, and later Harmony and Sunny Ridge nursing homes.
Jerry enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially being active outdoors—walking his dogs, golfing with friends, and tending his garden and yard—while also pursuing his passion for woodworking, with several projects always underway. He brought a genuine sense of joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything he did, embracing opportunities to learn and experience new things throughout his life, including traveling with his children across the country, Germany, and Canada, and even making maple syrup. He found happiness in playing Sheepshead, listening to music, sharing an occasional beer or Old Fashioned, and spending time with friends and family. Jerry had a familiar sparkle in his eye whether he was imagining a new project, working through a challenge, or preparing to deliver a well-timed joke.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Paula Sue Voelker and her husband Nathan Curtis of Columbia, Maryland; his son, Brian Patrick Voelker and his husband Christopher Padgett of Louisville, Kentucky; and his former wife, Diane Voelker of Plymouth. Jerry also spent many years together with Susie Oostdyke of Sheboygan.
A funeral service for Jerry will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1810 N 13th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081, with Rev. Alan Kretschmar officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to the church on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following the service, inurnment with Military Honors will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Kohler.
In honor of Jerry’s life, those wishing to remember him are encouraged to support veteran’s causes – making a donation or lending a hand to a local veteran in need.
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