Gerald N. Thielke

May 12, 1925 - November 7, 2018

GERALD (Jerry, Jet) NORBERT THIELKE, age 93, of Lakewood, Wisconsin, passed away on November 7, 2018, at Lakewood Assisted Living. Gerald Thielke was born May 12, 1925 in Suring, Wisconsin, to Gilbert and Laura (Huss) Thielke. A few months after his birth, the family moved to Lakewood, which Gerald considered his lifelong hometown. Gerald was the second oldest child of Gilbert and Laura, and he married Emily Kazda of Wabeno on November 3, 1945 at St. Mary's of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood. The couple had no children of their own. Gerald had an older brother, Glen J. (Laurene Kahler) Thielke; and two younger sisters, Rosemary (Richard) Lowery, and Jane (Elmo) Jensen. Gerald attended the Loyal Forest School in Lakewood through tenth grade and then attended Wabeno High School for his junior and senior classes. Gerald was small of stature, but was an exceptionally fast athlete who excelled in track and baseball, thus earning the nickname - Jet. However, in February of 1943, Gerald left school with his good Lakewood friend, Wilbur Greasby, to enlist in the United States Navy/Coast Guard for the remainder of World War II. He trained in the Great Lakes and was assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter, USS Bramble. Before being deployed, Gerald and Wilbur were allowed to attend their graduation from Wabeno High School in May, 1943. The Bramble then escorted American warships and supply ships back and forth across the North Atlantic for the buildup of the European invasion. After the invasion, the Bramble followed the USS Wisconsin through the Panama Canal into the Pacific. The Bramble was damaged by a mine in the Aleutians, was repaired in Vancouver, and sent back into service. The Bramble was in the circle of ships around Iwo Jima for that battle, before finally being sent back to the United States. Gerald was discharged with honors on March 28, 1946. Gerald was a longtime and dedicated 62 year member of American Legion Post 0044 in Wabeno, Wisconsin. Following his military service, Gerald enrolled in college in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where he played football. After his first semester of college, Gerald transferred to Marinette County Normal School (teachers' college), where his sister, Rosemary, was attending college. There he played on the basketball team with fellow Lakewood resident, Elliot (Jack) Jeranek. Gerald completed his teacher training program and then took his first job in education, as the lead teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Wabeno. Gerald later completed his Bachelor of Science Degree at Wisconsin State College - Stevens Point and then earned a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration at Wisconsin State University - Superior. He spent his entire 31 year career in education employed by the School District of Wabeno. While he retired as principal of the Wabeno Elementary School on June 30, 1983, many local residents remember Gerald as their Driver Education instructor. Gerald and Emily enjoyed many summers camping and traveling. After Gerald's retirement, the couple spent 14 winters in Mesa, Arizona, until Emily passed away March 31, 1997. They stayed at Mesa Regal RV Park, where Gerald played on the softball team well into his late 60's. Gerald Thielke was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brother Glen, sister Rosemary, and nephew, Gregg Jensen. He is survived by his sister, Jane, and several nieces and nephews, including Tom (Faye)Thielke, Christie(Thielke) (Frank) Braiske, Rita (Thielke)(Larry) Blazewicz, Glen (Donna) Thielke, Lynnette (Lowery)(Tim) Bodoh, Kerry (Lowery)(Pat) Rocole, Patrick (Denise) Lowery, Nick (Nicole) Lowery, Colene (Jensen)(Jeff) Acker, Garrett (Lydia) Jensen, and Grant (Susan) Jensen. At Gerald's request, there will be no formal funeral services and he will be buried in the Lakewood Cemetery at a later time with military honors. Weber-Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.weberhillfuneralhome.com