Gerald “Jerry” R. Crass, age 84, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, surrounded by his family at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Jerry was born in Tomahawk on Sept. 18, 1938, to the late Julius and Rosella (Bebeau) Crass. He was married to Judy Hoff on Oct. 27, 1962; she survives.
A lifelong resident of Tomahawk, Jerry attended the Tomahawk School District. After high school, he entered the workforce, where he was employed in the grocery industry, working at Dean’s Grocery, National T, and Nelson’s Super Market. He left Tomahawk briefly and moved to Racine, Wis., where he worked at Kohl’s Super Market. Jerry returned to Tomahawk, working again at Nelson’s for over 32 years and then at Tomahawk IGA. Jerry had been a talented meat cutter for over 40 years, where until just recently, was still processing deer for many people within the community. Always keeping busy and never truly retiring, he then worked for Tomahawk Heavy Duty Trucks, where he acquired his nickname “Geo.” Jerry was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, loving the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. He was dedicated to his community and was an integral part of the Tomahawk Lions Club, serving as president for some time, and was an active and faithful member of St. Paul’s Church. Jerry and his family collected many can tabs for donation to the Ronald McDonald House. He enjoyed dartball, bowling, and playing smear. Above all, Jerry was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Judy Crass, of Tomahawk; his daughters, Linda (Scott) Carstensen, Pam Dallmann, Leitta (Bill) Turgeon, and Karen (Glenn) Wagner, all of Tomahawk; his brother, Donny (Kathy) Crass, of Charleston, S.C.; and his sister, Sandy Erickson, of Wausau, Wis.; his grandchildren, Bo Busterud, Luke Busterud, Breanne Busterud, Craig Carstensen, McKenna Carstensen, Trevor Myers, Tyler Myers, Luke Turgeon, and Logan Turgeon; and his great-grandchildren, Christopher Busterud, Kortney Busterud, Hunter Busterud, Reid Myers, Riley Myers, Garrett Carstensen, Hudson Carstensen, Eleanor Turgeon, and Addison Turgeon. Jerry is further survived by many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Rosella; his son-in-law, Butch Dallmann; his brothers, Dick Crass and Ron Crass; and his sister, Barbara Brandner.
A memorial service for Gerald Crass was held on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Rev. Stephen Gillett officiated. The family received friends for visitation on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the church, and again on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, assisted the family. You may view Jerry’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.