Jerry R. Meissner

Gerald R. "Jerry" Meissner, age 72, resident of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, August 10, 2025 at the Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Jerry was born in Manitowoc on November 9, 1952 to Roland and Grace (Ward) Meissner. He attended Reedsville Public School then proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. Jerry served in Germany (1972-1974) until his honorable discharge from military service. On June 15, 1974 he was united in marriage to Mary M. Ollendorf at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Manitowoc. The couple was blessed with two children and fifty-one years of marriage. Over the years, Jerry worked for several manufacturing companies which included Manitowoc Shipbuilding, Mirro Corporation, Hamilton Mfg. and Manitowoc Cranes. Jerry and Mary also owned/operated Meissner Adult Family Homes in Manitowoc for many years.

Jerry enjoyed working on cars, metal scrapping, shooting pool, dancing; and loved Josh Turner music. He also enjoyed collecting Coca-cola collectibles; but above all treasured the time with his family, especially enjoying his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Meissner; son & daughter-in-law, Don (Natalie) Meissner; and his daughter, Amanda Wilson, all of Manitowoc; two grandchildren: Devin Jerabek, and Hailey Meissner (fiance, Austin Konz); two great-grandchildren: Peytyn and Astelle; his siblings: Richard (Jane) Ward, Tony Meissner, Katie (Dave) Schulz, Joe (Linda) Meissner, Tim Meissner (special friend, Cheryl), Ted (Yvonne) Meissner, and Mary Tyler; and two sisters-in-law: Pam Meissner and Stephanie Meissner. Jerry is further survived by other in-laws: Terrie (Lenny) Jaskolski, Denise (Ivan) Konsela, Jeffrey Cummings, Mary Beth (Don) Bender; and close friend, Chuck Radtke; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Grace Meissner; brothers: Mike, Andy, and Kurt Meissner; sisters-in-law: Janet (Blahnik) Meissner, Janet (Taylor) Meissner, and Lorrie Cummings; brothers-in-law: Kevin Tyler and Bob Ollendorf; and his father & mother-in-law: Arthur and Bernadine Ollendorf.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 at Connection Church, 1455 N. Rapids Rd. Manitowoc. Rev. Steven Ward will preside at the memorial service. Military honors will be accorded at the church immediately following the service.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Connection Church Friday afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. There will be no Thursday evening visitation.

The funeral service will be live streamed.

Online condolence messages may be shared at DejaMartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Meissner family with funeral arrangements.

Jerry's family would like to extend a special thank you to members of Cornerstone Management Team of Sheboygan for their help and guidance. Special thanks also to the 3rd floor nursing staff at Aurora Medical Center for their compassion and kindness extended to Jerry.