Gerald E. Thomae

Gerald E. "Jerry" Thomae, age 81, of Antigo, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at home after a long battle with cancer. He was born on April 15, 1943 in Effingham, Illinois, the eldest of four children of Oscar and Orletta (Horn) Thomae. He married the love of his life, Renae Zach, on October 28, 1967. She preceded him in death on August 3, 2016. Jerry graduated from Antigo High School Class of 1961. He went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison later transferring to Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) to earn his electrical engineering degree. He started Thomae Electric & Trenching with his father and brother in 1970. In 1975, he moved on and became self-employed owning and operating Jerry Thomae's Electric Center alongside his wife and son Charly until present. He was an electrician by trade, but was also a drafter, carpenter, handyman, coach and could fix practically anything. He was always in the shop or basement tinkering. Jerry was a devoted husband & father enjoying all of his children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events. He was secretary of the Antigo Bow Club for years and a member of the Antigo Stock Club. He enjoyed s...[more]

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ding time at the family cottage on Arbutus Lake waterskiing and fishing. He loved the family trips, hunting, snowmobiling, archery, shooting pool, and his Wisconsin sports teams. Always keeping track of the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, Badgers, NC State Wolf Pack, and Red Robins. Attending the Kentucky Derby parties at BB Jacks was a must for him. He could also be found at BB's when Renae was at church. Jerry always looked forward to his trips to Arizona and Mexico with his parents and then Julie's family and all the adventures taken from hot air ballooning to betting on horses at the track. He cherished the times spent in Green Bay and on the waters of Minocqua. He was the proudest fan sitting on the bleachers at the home Red Robin's games. He savored the nightly home-cooked meals shared with Charly and Sheri. Jerry was quick-witted and fun-loving always with a story or joke to lighten up a room. He will truly be missed by everyone who had a chance to know him. Survivors include four children, Charles (Sheri) Thomae of Wausau, Julie (Brian) Brizard of Mooresville, NC, Paul (Tiffany) Thomae of Antigo and Tami (Adam) Liss of Suamico; nine grandchildren, Ava and Drew Brizard, Logan and Colton Thomae, Sidney, Violet and Hazel Liss, Jon Stuckart and Tamara Lanser; five great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Jaydon Lanser, Noah, Kyle and McKenzi Stuckart; a brother, Bill (Marcia) Thomae of Antigo; a sister, Nancy (John) Jankowski of Wausau; brother-in-law, Jim (Debby) Zach of Mukwonago; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Todd Thomae; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert, Michael and Barbara Zach. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 7, at 11 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with the Very Reverend Joel Sember officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Antigo. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.