Jerry Parke Meyer

Jerry Parke Meyer, at the age of 90, passed on peacefully at his home in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, with his wife Loraine at his side, after many episodes of illness over the months prior. Despite his condition, he insisted on traveling to Mexico to be comfortably warm, with the ocean view, and palm trees blowing in the wind. He was fortunate to have care from a wonderful doctor that made house calls several times per week, a live-in nurse, his wife, Loraine, and lots of caring friends! They brought meals, fruits, and treats, and offered comradery. He worked hard to become fit to fly, arrived home, and sadly passed away in his sleep the morning after, on April 18, 2021. Jerry was born on June 10, 1930, to Monroe W. (Parke) Meyer and Henrietta Meyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (WI). He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Glen Meyer and John Meyer. Surviving family includes a brother, Jeffrey (Wendy) Meyer; wife, Loraine Meyer; daughter, Sue (Ed) Duda; grandchildren, Jessica (Adam) Wallace, and Renee (Chad) Rasmussen; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Sierra Wallace, and Savanna Rasmussen; one brother-in-law; three additional sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews, and their children. Jerry went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then into the U.S. Naval Reserves, when he met Loraine. When he was called to duty in the Korean War, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, working on a tugboat in Tokyo Bay for 1.5 years. During a typhoon, the seas became rough and treacherous! Jerry was on an upper deck and noticed one of his buddies getting blown by the wind, which was so severe that the rain was going sideways. Suddenly, his friend was about to be swept overboard. Jerry leapt up and over the upper railing, down to the lower deck, and held onto his sailor friend by the ankles, pulling him back gradually to safety. Jerry broke his arm during that ordeal, but he saved his buddy’s life. In 1952, he was honorably discharged, leaving Japan. Upon returning to the U.S., he started his career in the printing industry. While residing in Mequon, WI, with his wife Loraine and daughter Sue, Jerry and partners owned and operated Litho-Products Company in Milwaukee for 17 years. Their company printed some of the first credit cards! After purchasing a lake cottage in Lac du Flambeau, WI, in 1961, Jerry obtained his pilot’s license, purchased an airplane, and flew Loraine, Sue, and their dog, to beautiful northern WI on the weekends. It was at the airport in Northern WI that Jerry introduced his daughter, Sue, to Ed, whom she married! Jerry provided his family with fun outdoor activities such as fishing, ice fishing, swimming, boat rides, water skiing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and hiking through the woods! He became an avid Northwoods hunter as well and enthusiastically experienced exciting hunting and fishing trips to Montana, Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. With love of the Northwoods, Jerry changed careers, opening his own real estate office, Jerry Meyer Realty, in the early 1970’s. This led to the development of several investment properties. One was the development of the Beacons of Minocqua Timeshare Condos, where he served as Executive Officer and part owner. Jerry’s volunteer service included the Wisconsin Board of Realtors, the Lac du Flambeau Lions Club, and the Lac du Flambeau Chamber of Commerce. One year he was President of ALL three organizations! In 1991, Jerry and Loraine wintered at Vida del Mar Condominiums overlooking the rocky cliffs of the Pacific coast near Manzanillo, Mexico. Jerry and Loraine lived there several months each winter since. Jerry owned and operated a sport fishing charter business, with much enthusiasm, at Las Hadas Marina. His nickname was “King of Marlin”. Jerry and Loraine provided wonderful tropical vacations to their family and lucky friends! Jerry became bilingual and very knowledgeable about the Manzanillo area. He shared his knowledge while ambitiously selling condos in Mexico until he was in his 80’s. He loved helping customers find a place of their dreams! At one point, Jerry and Milton Schwartz co-chaired the Architectural Committee at Vida del Mar during the time of a large earthquake! Jerry took his volunteer job very seriously, as did Milton, who studied architecture with famous Frank Lloyd Wright. They arranged for excellent quality reinforcement of the condominium buildings, office, and swimming pools. Many fondly called Jerry the “Silver Fox” due to his silver-white hair appearing in his mid 40’s. He was handsome, cheerful, charismatic, outgoing, very social, caring, loving, and always a snazzy dresser, bringing pattern and color to his wardrobe. Friends describe Jerry as “dynamic, a man of energy and purpose, engaging, helpful, and willing”; “a legendary character.”; “an extra special friend and neighbor”; “always there to help, give advice, and whatever was needed”; “vibrant, authentic, and had integrity”; “living a good life, offering honesty, love, and help to those around him, even strangers”. Throughout his later years, Jerry stayed determined to overcome medical issues with a good and optimistic attitude, just like his father! Even with his many ailments as he aged, when asked how he was doing, he would happily say, “100 percent!”. He made the best out of bad situations. He always had energy and creativity for working on many projects, keeping up the house and yard. If you happened to mention to him that you were considering a building project, he would eagerly help design and plan your project. Jerry was a loving husband, cherishing his relationship with Loraine, treating her with love and sweetness for 68 years, and offering her compliments often. He was a true gentleman, always opening doors for Loraine, and he loved holding her hand when walking together! He was a kind, loving, and fun father and grandfather. His great-grandchildren were very special to him! He loved his many friends! Jerry lived life enthusiastically and was a good example to many! He whistled happy tunes, told jokes, and humored others on many occasions. He ALWAYS greeted family members and dear friends with hugs and/or kisses and said “I love you” after visits and phone calls! Jerry will be missed tremendously! With COVID still lurking, Jerry’s life will be celebrated with immediate family in a private gathering. Jerry supported Veteran organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Perhaps, in lieu of flowers you would like to honor Jerry P. Meyer at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or https://www.pva.org Online condolences may be shared at www.bolgerfuneral.com

Jerry Parke Meyer

June 10, 1930 - April 18, 2021