Project Description
Jerry is best described as someone who takes pride in Onalaska. Over the years he has spent countless hours dedicating his time to civic and non-profit organizations that make Onalaska such a great place to live. Family would say he has a difficult time saying “no” if asked to help. After graduating in 1959, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army and served as an MP with the rank of Specialist 4 (SP-4).
He returned to Onalaska in 1965 and joined the Onalaska Police Department as a patrolman. One year later, he joined the Onalaska Fire Department where he volunteered for over 18 years. Jerry was a rural mail carrier for the Onalaska Post Office, eventually retiring after 28 years. He served as chairman on the Onalaska Bicentennial Celebration committee in 1976 and for many years after as part of the annual Sunfish Days celebration. He founded the Miss Onalaska Scholarship Organization and served in many capacities for nearly 20 years. In 1997, Jerry represented the citizens of the First District on the Onalaska Common Council. He served on the Onalaska Sesquicentennial Celebration committee in 2001 which was the year of the first Onalaska High School All-Class Reunion. He was a member of the Onalaska Rotary Club for seven years. He continues to serve the community on the Onalaska Historic Preservation Commission, the Onalaska High School Alumni Association, and as a member of the Onalaska American Legion where he serves on the Honor Guard and as a member of the La Crosse County Voiture 830 Forty & Eight as the Child Welfare Officer
Induction Classification: Class of 1959
Induction Year: 2021
WHO WILL BE INDUCTED NEXT?
Nominations for the Wall of Excellence are accepted every year in the spring. Past nominations that have not been inducted can be nominated for consideration. There can be up to three inductees per year. The induction ceremonies are held in the fall as part of the homecoming festivities.
Calling All Onalaska Alumni! Send Us Your Updated Contact Info!
The Alumni Association partners with Onalaska High School to keep updated records of alumni. This helps individual classes with connecting for class reunions as well as the All-Class Reunion held every three years. Click on the button to send us your updated contact information.
