Jerry Zuelke 10/18/2012

Jerome “Jerry” Zuelke, age 79, of New Richmond passed away Thursday, October 18, 2012 at United Hospital in St. Paul from complications following surgery.  He was born the son of Clarence and Mollie (Stanelle) Zuelke on July 5, 1933 in Wrightstown, WI.  He grew up in Green Bay and graduated from East High School.  Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  In 1965, he moved to New Richmond and began working at Doboy Packaging in the engineering department where he spent the rest of his career.  In retirement, he enjoyed spending his winter’s in Harlingen, TX.  Jerry loved playing golf and cards and spending time with family and friends.  He was known as a very upbeat and positive person having a big personality and was a joy to be around.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mollie Zuelke; daughter, Kelli Sobetski; great-grandson, Tommy Brown; sister-in-law, Muriel Zuelke.  Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Zuelke; children, Jeff (Becky) Zuelke of Janesville, WI, Jeri Ann (Steve) Talmage of New Richmond; son-in-law, Tom Sobetski of Lino Lakes, MN; grandchildren, Ashley (Noah) Knoble, Lindsay Zuelke, Onya (Todd) Elrod, Seth (Jennifer) Brown, Christi (Jeremy) Abbott, Dan Talmage, Kassandra, Stephanie, and Randy Sobetski; 4 great-grandchildren, former wife, Madelon (Jim) Button; step-sons, Dan (Tammy) Sandmann, Gary (Minnie) Sandmann; step-grandchildren, Haley Sandmann, Kendal (Tom) Bauer, Samuel (Brenda) Perez, Jackelyn Perez; 4 step-great grandchildren; brothers, Ken Zuelke, Jim (Judie) Zuelke; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  A funeral service was held Monday, October 22, 2012 at 3:00 pm at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond.  Visitation was Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Bakken-Young Beebe Chapel in New Richmond and on Monday from 2:00-3:00 pm at the church.  Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.