Gerald "Jerry" Schlewitz

​Gerald R. Schlewitz known as Jerry, passed away peacefully April 16th 2025 at Caretta Memory Care surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsons.

He was born October 21st, 1944 to Reinhard and Ruth Schlewitz. Jerry grew up in rural Eau Claire.  He attended Altoona High School, where he met the love of his life Sharon Friedrich. Jerry, a junior and Sharon a sophomore dated through their high school graduations. In 1964 Jerry enlisted in Army National Guard, where he would come to give 6 years of service.  On Christmas Eve 1964 Jerry proposed to Sharon and the two were  married July 31st 1965. In 1966 the two welcomed their first child Kimberly Lynn, and in 1973 Scott Gerald was born. After 49 years of marriage, Jerry was still a true romanticist and insisted the two renew their vows in 2006 and so they did.

 Jerry’s work ethic was 2nd to none.  He was known for dedication and hard work whatever it may be and whatever it took. Jerry Joined Presto June 6th 1966, where he worked for 49 years until his retirement in June 2015. Jerry worked in inventory control in the defense division or “Shell Line”. When the Shell Line closed, he switched over to the small appliance and pressure cooker division. Jerry was always ready and willing to accept additional responsibility and quickly established the reputation of being the “go-to-guy” who could get the job done. Thereafter his positions included Assistant Planning Manager, where he was heavily involved in domestic plant scheduling in Mississippi, Texas and New Mexico and then Planning and Traffic Manager, which encompassed both scheduling and transportation. At the time of his retirement Jerry was acting Planning and Logistics Manager. Jerry took great pride in his work and was loved by many.

Jerry had many hobbies through the years including various collections, which he would engage participation from Sharon and the kids; The most notable hobby of cars, classic cars and drag racing would become the hit, his lifelong passion. Jerry spent many years drag racing at Amber Green Raceway, with his Gold 1967 Camaro, that was “The Car” at the track. Sharon, Kim and Scott became the crew members as the slicks were hauled to the track in the trunk and he would come to see, that the car thing and pedals to the metal be carried on to to his children. He and Scott would build a 1972 Chevelle for the second round of racing life. Together they would spend many hours working on the car and racing together.  Kim wasn’t sure about the car, however looking back should have been; she has had a lot of explaining to do to law enforcement.  Jerry’s hobbies became the family hobbies enjoying many years of fun and good times together.

Jerry and his family spent many a day’s with family and friends participating in local car shows, enjoying camaraderie of likeminded car enthusiasts and days at Rock Falls Raceway, the former Amber Green .

One of those hobbies included fishing.  This would take the family to Long Lake in Sarona WI, where the family would vacation in July over Sharon’s birthday week on upper Long Lake.  Jerry loved fishing for bass and panfish and taking the kids skiing and tubing.

  That tradition has continued for more than 45 years.  It was there many precious memories were made.

Jerry and Sharons shared a passion for water, taking several wonderful vacations to Honolulu,  Hawaii, Door County, Michigan, Mackinaw Island Michigan and Duluth Minnesota sharing  their love of the white sand beaches and the waters tide  and moonlit reflections.

Jerry’s pride and joy were Sharon, his children Kim and Scott and most notably his granddaughter Hayden.  Jerry played store and restaurant for hours, even racing remote control rock crawlers and whatever his dear Hayden enjoyed.

Words cannot convey what wonderful person, husband, father and grandfather, and friend Jerry has truly been throughout his life. He will be missed more than can be put into words. We hope thoughts of Jerry warm the hearts of those who have loved and friended Jerry, during his time here on earth. May angels walk with him and all those who knew and loved him, when you think of him.

Our heartfelt appreciation to Carreta Memory Care and St Croix Hospice for their ongoing, never-ending compassion for Jerry and our family throughout this chapter. Our hearts cannot possibly convey our appreciation and gratitude for the love and compassion shown to Jerry and our family throughout this last chapter in Jerry’s journey.

Jerry’s light will continue to shine in the morning sunrise and sunset, the moon’s glow and the waters reflections as all you remember him.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Kimberly Schlewitz Novotney, son Scott Schlewitz, his wife Melissa and their daughter Hayden, and nieces Heidi, Kristi and nephew Danny Schlewitz.

Jerry is preceded in death by his infant daughter Michelle Lee; parents Reinhart and Ruth Schlewitz,and brother James Schlewitz.

A memorial service for Jerry will take place at 11 am on on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Christine Emerson officiating.  Memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Hulke Family Funeral Home from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and at the church the next day from 10 am until the time of service.  Inurnment with military honors will take place Thursday afternoon at 2:15 pm at the Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek . 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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