Jerry P. Jach Sr., age 82, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, Dec.14, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wis. Jerry was born on Oct. 2, 1943, to the late Alvin and Louise (Hamill) Jach in Tomahawk, where he spent most of his life and built a reputation as a hard worker, a devoted family man, and a memorable character to all who knew him. He was married to Sheila Bickett on Oct. 8, 1966; she survives.
Jerry attended Tomahawk High School and began working at the age of 16 on a small farm, learning early the value of dedication and responsibility. He spent seven years working for Wally and Nita Steinach in Friesland, followed by employment at Northern Specialty. In 1977, Jerry began a long career at Owens-Illinois, remaining through several company changes that eventually became Packaging Corporation of America. Due to declining health, Jerry retired in 1994.
Known almost everywhere by his trademark bib overalls, Jerry wore them daily except to church, and even then, if he could have gotten away with it, he would have. Jerry found his greatest joy in time spent with family. He loved going out to eat, sharing a few old fashioneds, and enjoying good conversation. The Tomahawk Family Restaurant was a must-stop to visit with the boys. A favorite outing was a trip to Sam’s Club where he could often be found cruising the aisles in his motorized cart, happily filling the basket with snacks and stopping to visit with people. One of the family’s most funny stories came during the teething years of his daughter and later his granddaughter. In a move that perfectly captured Jerry’s problem-solving, he would take out his own partial dentures and place them in the baby’s mouth to soothe the pain. Remarkably, it worked.
He especially enjoyed fishing with his family and loved the year when Tomahawk had the famed “ice road.” Sunday mornings were filled with the sounds of polka music. Jerry also spent many hours tinkering in his garage, took great pride in keeping his lawn just right, tending to his chickens and pigs, and always welcomed visitors, though he never hesitated to let them know when it was time to go, often with his signature sharp “goodbye” as he relocated to his recliner. At first meeting, Jerry could seem gruff, but those who took the time to know him quickly discovered a kind man beneath the rough exterior. He was someone you could always count on.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sheila Jach; his son, Jerry “Fuzz” (Mary Jo) Jach; his daughter, Rhonda (Lloyd Jr.) Weinzatl; his brothers, Larry Jach and Frederick (Marjorie) Jach; and his sisters, Virginia (Bob) Richards and Nancy (Greg) Powers. Jerry is further survived by his grandchildren, Jade Weinzatl, Colton (Amber) Butler, Keagan (Kristin) Jach, Kameron (Michael) Jach, Morgan Whitford, and Hannah Whitford; in addition to his great-grandchildren, Micah and Graysen Butler and Maverick Jach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Louise; his brother, Louis (Mary) Jach; his sister, Mary Ingman; his sister-in-law, Sandra Jach; and his faithful dog, Odie.
Funeral services for Jerry were held on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, at 11 a.m. Rev. Stephen Gillet officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Jerry’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
