BROOKFIELD

Gerald F. ‘Jerry’ Rauwald

Gerald F. "Jerry" Rauwald, 74, returned to our heavenly Father on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

   His spirit found eternal peace after a grueling, 4 1/2-month battle with renal cell carcinoma and an 11-year struggle with heart disease. Despite his numerous procedures and surgeries, he never lost hope nor his sense of humor. Everywhere he went, people remember his warm, welcoming smile and the latest joke he had to share.

   Jerry cherished his life with his best friend and devoted wife of 48 years, Gloria (nee Megal). He and his "lady" were inseparable. Jerry was a highly dedicated family man and exemplary father and grandfather to his daughters, Vanessa (Rick) Mueller and Monica (Bahri) Gungor, and six grandchildren, Branden (16), Brittany (15), Brady (11), Evan (12), Bennett (9) and Megan (6).

   He was happiest when spending time with his family and those he loved. Jerry’s strong sense of commitment and dedication was clearly evident in his 50-year career as an independent insurance agent. He rose to the highest standards by earning his CPCU in a rigorous five-year program. He earned several prestigious awards and was very proud to be inducted into the Wisconsin Fabricare Institute Hall of Fame for his work in pioneering insurance programs specifically designed for the dry cleaning industry. He constantly worked to safeguard his clients’ best interests and was a leader in establishing best practices for the industry. Jerry also proudly served in the Navy on the USS Galveston (CLG-3), where he earned a letter of commendation for his ingenuity, resourcefulness and superior work ethic. He will forever be remembered for his integrity, honor, compassion, loyalty and devotion to his family, friends and clients. The world has lost a great and honorable man.

   Jerry is survived by his sister, Margaret "Bunny" Chase; sister-in-law, Rosalie (Richard) Knisbeck; brother in-law, John Durst; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

   He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Louise Marie; his sister, Lois, and brother-in-law, Fritz Vetter; his brother-in-law, James Chase Jr.; and his sister in-law, Sandra (nee Megal) Durst.

   Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, March 2, with a luncheon to follow, all at Becker Ritter Funeral Home, 14705 W. North Ave., Brookfield. A committal service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7301 W. Nash St., Milwaukee.

   Becker Ritter Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 782-5330 or visit online at www.beckerritter.com