Jerry Grunwald, 86 of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

He was born February 8, 1931 in Oshkosh and at 6 months of age he moved to Waupaca, WI. Jerry was the son of Emil and Gladys (Brandenburg) Grunwald. Jerry grew up working on the family farm until he went into the service. He took great pride in serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and upon discharge he moved to Oshkosh. There he met and married his wife Deloris Bender on September 8, 1956. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Jerry worked for Winnebago Mental Health Institute for 33 years, in the kitchen as Food Production Manager, retiring at 58 years old. Following retirement Jerry and Deloris spent time traveling to all 50 states and numerous countries in Europe. He also loved spending time with his granddaughters and his great-granddaughters; they were the “apple of his eye”. Jerry was a member of Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church, and he also was a member of the American Legion for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Deloris; his daughters, Sherrie Grunwald and Shelly (Paul) Theabo Feil; granddaughters, Ashley Theabo (Mike Hershberger) and Whitney McHugh. He was Papa to his five great-granddaughters: Cora, Lila and Caroline Hershberger, Indyonah Theabo and Wyllow McHugh; a brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Joan Grunwald, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Donna Bender and also by many nieces and nephews and cousins. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Lloyd and Hazel Bender; brother Donald Brandenburg, sister and brother-in-law Doreen and James Marquard, and sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Leonard Schroeder, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Barbara Bender, brother-in-law Lavern Bender; niece, Janis Rost-White and cousins.

A private graveside service for the family was held and burial took place at Ellenwood Cemetery. A tree will be planted in his memory in one of the parks in Oshkosh.

A big thank you to Heartland Hospice and their girls, Christine, Sara and Kathy, Jerry enjoyed your visits and the great care he received from you. His family wishes you God’s blessings for all the care you have given Jerry and the kindness you have shown him and his family.

Dad, you were always surrounded by too many women, all who loved you from “here to the moon and back” as the little girls would say. You will be missed by us all, more than words can say. The “Little Girls” want you to take care of all their “fur babies”, they are the rainbow bridge waiting, and give our love to all our loved ones who have gone before us and have gained their “angel wings”. Could you also give Jan a hug and kiss for us and tell her we miss her. Until we join you in heaven, remember how much all your girls love you and how much we will miss you. Love from all “Your Girls”