Gerald H. Alfheim, 82, of Gresham, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 19, 2019. He was born on Oct. 14, 1936 in the Town of Birnamwood. He was the youngest of eight children, born to the late Hans and Cora (Matson) Alfheim. Jerry graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1955, and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in education in 1959. Jerry was united in marriage to Alice Hafferman in Tilleda on Nov. 30, 1957.
After graduating from UW-Stout, Jerry became a high school teacher in Hortonville, followed by Watertown. After five years of teaching, Jerry entered the industrial world, working two years in the engineering department for the FWD Corporation in Clintonville. Next he worked for H.A. Peterson Inc. in Watertown for 15 years where he was the plant manager in their metal fabrication division for the first eight years. He then became the manager of their construction division for the subsequent seven years. Following his time there, Jerry started his own construction business, Mill Systems Inc., which worked with many animal feed production plants throughout the Midwest.
After retiring in 1993, Jerry and Alice moved to Upper Red Lake in Gresham. After three years, Jerry went back to work as a maintenance technician for the Mohican North Star Casino. Jerry retired again in 2006.
Jerry was an active member of his church, serving as Elias Lutheran Church council president, as well other positions for the church council. Jerry also served on the West Shawano County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Board.
Jerry enjoyed fishing, his annual grouse hunting trip in Merrill with his friends from Watertown, watching sports (especially the Packers) and camping. He also liked working in his yard and garden. Jerry relished traveling with his loving wife, Alice, to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska and many of the lower 48 states.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Alice; his son, Keith Alfheim; his daughter, Paula (Ernest) Niemann; his grandchildren, Ashley (Richard) Milburn, Ericka (Jake) Schultz, Kyle (Cecilia) Alfheim and Rachel Niemann; and his great-grandchildren, Riff, Elcie, Adalynn, Emryn and Lillian.
Jerry was preceded in death by his son, David Alfheim; his parents; three brothers, Monroe, Glen and Harvey; four sisters, Helen Reinke, Hazel Wendler, Barbara Burke and his twin sister Geraldean.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Elias Lutheran Church, N6106 County Road G, Gresham, with the Rev. Lois Graper officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.