Jerry Hoeke, 65, of Kenosha passed away at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, with his loving family by his side. Born in Kenosha on December 10, 1943, he was the son of the late Frederick and Victoria (Hlapchik) Hoeke. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was a 1962 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. On April 1, 1965, he entered the United States Army, serving in Viet Nam from August 1, 1966 until April 14, 1967, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5. On March 2, 1974 he married Linda Nevoraski Aalto at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church. For 31 years Jerry was employed by S. C. Johnson Co. in Racine. In 1998 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Along with his wife, Linda, they helped organize the M.S. Walk in Kenosha for 4 years. In September of 2008, he was also diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs Disease. He fought hard for himself and others to live a good life and learn to cope with these diseases. Jerry was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. He was an avid NASCAR Fan, especially retired driver Richard Petty. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and watching a great Packer game. Surviving are his loving family, his wife of 35 years, Linda; his two daughters, Amanda Jean (Tommy) Robinson and Debra LeeAnn Aalto; two special grandchildren, Aleesha Paige Koslica and Mikal Jeffrey Robinson, all of Kenosha; his faithful companion, Snoopy; a brother, Fredric Hoeke of Albuquerque, NM; and many other relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Hoeke; sister, Virginia Campagna; and two sisters-in-law, Janet Hoeke and Barbara Hoeke. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 5th, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday at Lord of Life Lutheran Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials to Lord of Life Lutheran Church or the National M.S. Society in Jerry’s honor would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Jerry's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Al and Noreen Ladwig
October 6, 2009
Dear Linda, Debbie, Mandy and Family,Last year at the annual Kortez party, Al said he was worried that Jerry was not looking well. When Linda called Al and told him that Jerry passed away, the first thing Al said was Jerry hung in there just to see Mandy married. I have to agree with him. The body can fight just about anything if the heart and soul are determined. Jerry's heart and soul were all about his family. So we have to thank you, his family, for giving him the will and determination to overcome one set back after another. Jerry was one of the biggest-hearted men I have ever met. In all of the years I knew him, I never heard Jerry have an unkind word about anyone. The result were friendships that lasted for life. I feel certain that St. Peter is hearing some very good stories. The days, weeks and months ahead are going to be very tough for all of you. I hope you know that while Jerry may be having a great time with St. Peter, we are still here for you. Please call us if there is any way we can help.
Sandy (Williams) Redlin
October 5, 2009
Dear Linda and family. You have my deepest sympathy in Jerry's passing. I used to work with Linda in Avon. We were Group Leaders together. I think I went to school with Jerry at Friedens. He was a good guy. Glad he is at peace now and with God. No more pain.God Bless Linda and her family.
Bruce & Suzanne Sargent
October 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the rest of Jerry's family. I worked with and next to Jerry at Johnson Wax for over 20 years. My wife, Sue, met Linda from Jerry's and my being part of the Johnson Wax Fire Brigade. Jerry always tried to make our area of work one that met the needs of our customers and appreciated the effort by others to help accomplish it. Jerry will be missed by all of us that knew him, but we are all more enriched for having the opportunity to do so!
Bob Kappus
October 4, 2009
Sorry to hear about Jerry passing. I have a lot of good memories of Jerry, both bowling and driving by the house since we are in the same neighborhood. Bob
Sarkis (Sam) andekian
October 4, 2009
May God Bless you and your family in this time sorrow it was a pleasure to work with him at Johnson's Wax,My thoughts an prayers are with the whole family.
Debbie Aalto
October 3, 2009
Jerry Hoeke was the only father that i ever knew. He accepted me as a part of his family when he married my mom. We did have our times when we were not happy with each other, but i loved him no matter what problems we had. I love him and miss him just as much as my sister does. I am so grateful to have him in my life and i am very happy that he is not hurting anymore. Dad i love you and miss you so much, now you will be much happier now than you were here.
Amanda (Hoeke) Robinson
October 3, 2009
My Dad was the greatest father anyone could ask for. He worked many years so our mom could stay home with us girls and yet he still made time to lay on the floor by me and twirl my ponytails or get up on a Saturday morning to turn the rotor on the antenna so we could watch cartoons. I thank him every day for fighting to keep himself well long enough to walk me down the aisle. I love Dad I know now your at peace and pain free. I'm sorry you had to be the one to have all the pain and suffering but now you don't have to. I know your in a wonderful place and have MANY loved ones by your side. I LOVE YOU!!!
dick bosman
October 3, 2009
what a great time we had growing up! our group of guys were always together-usually working on somebodys car at my dads garage. jerry always had something funny to say or a prank to play on somebody, he truly was always the life of the party! even though we havent seen much of each other over the years we always had a special bond-i shall always cherish our times together. i cant believe he is gone, but i know he is in a better place and we will see him again. my condolences to you linda and your family. may god bless you all.
Joyce Sorensen
October 2, 2009
Dear Linda and family,We're thinking of you at this time and wishing you comfort and peace. Extending our sincere sympathy and friendship.All our love,Ozzie & Joyce Sorensen
JENNY SCHACKMUTH
October 2, 2009
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. IF THERE WAS ONE THING YOU COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON FROM UNCLE JERRY WAS A HUGE HUG AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. I WILL MISS THAT. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL. LOVE JENNY
Ron & Sandi Martin
October 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hoeke family at this time of there loss of Jerry. Worked with Jerry many years at Johnson's Wax, was a very nice guy both at work and out of work. Admired him for his attitude with his disease. God Bless him and family.
Jeanette and Mike Barnett
October 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Amanda, Debbie, Tommy, Aleesha and Mikal. Jerry was a wonderful man with many pleasurable attibutes. I feel assured that he has found a special place with the Lord and is smling down on us allright now. God Bless you allMike and Jeanette