Jerry Marciniak

Mr. Jerry Marciniak, formerly of Port Washington and Milwaukee, passed away at his home in Belgium on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.

Gerald was born in the Tippecanoe neighborhood of Milwaukee on Jan. 10, 1938, one of nine children born to Cyprian “Frank” and Grace (nee Reeve) Marciniak. 

He attended local schools, including Milwaukee Boys Tech, until his junior year, when the family moved to Waupaca. Jerry graduated from Waupaca High School in 1956 and took a job with Modern Equipment in Port Washington, which eventually led him to a career as a journeyman electrician. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 494.

On Nov. 7, 1971, Jerry was united in marriage with Rosemary Gora at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington. The couple settled in Port Washington and raised their family there. 

Jerry took a position with Miller Brewing, keeping the electrical on the machines in tip-top order until his retirement in 2001. He truly enjoyed working at the brewery and participated in activities like the bowling team.

A workaholic at heart, in his down time Jerry enjoyed deer hunting, pheasant hunting and fishing. In his younger days, he was a competitive trapshooter who had more than his share of “100” rounds.

Always one with a great story to share, Jerry loved to tell family and friends about the time he met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the airport and struck up a conversation that left enough of an impression that Kareem remembered Jerry by name when they met again a few weeks later.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 54 years, Rosemary, sons Steven Marciniak of Oshkosh, Douglas Marciniak (Kim Kososki) of Neenah and Nathan Marciniak of Port Washington and grandchildren Cody (Kaitlynn) Marciniak, Rachael Marciniak and Sydney Marciniak. He is further survived by great-grandson Myles Gerald Marciniak, sisters-in-law Barbara Roob and Linda Marciniak, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Grace, sisters Dorothy Jedlicka and Winifred Maier and brothers Spencer Bichel, Edward Bichel and Richard, Leonard, Robert and Russell Marciniak.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave. in Port Washington.  Chaplain Brent Janke will preside. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 11:30 a.m. until the service begins at 1 p.m.

If desired, memorials in Jerry’s name are suggested to Operation Smile or the American Red Cross.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.