Gerald “Jerry” J. Ashenbrenner, 69, of the Town of Grant, Shawano County, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at his home.
Gerald “Jerry” Joe Ashenbrenner was born Nov. 3, 1947, in Shawano to the late Joe and Mildred (Pevonka) Ashenbrenner. He was a 1965 graduate of Marion High School, where he was a gifted second baseman on the baseball team. He also played for the Leopolis team in the Badger Amateur Baseball organization.
Jerry attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education in 1969. After graduation, he taught at Markesan High School for a time, then moved to Rosholt where he again was an instructor for 8½ years. In 1980, Jerry took some time off from teaching when his mother became ill and moved back to the family farm to care for her and to keep the farm in operation.
He was united in marriage to Karen Hintz in September 1981 in Shawano.
In the early 1990s, Jerry found his way back into teaching at Gresham and Bowler part time, and was hired full time in Bowler in the fall of 1991, retiring in 2012. During his time at Bowler High School, participation in agriculture education and FFA grew substantially because of his one-on-one style of teaching and the respect and adoration of his students. Jerry was heavily involved with the Bowler FFA Alumni where he helped with the “Bowler Bash,” making parade floats, the alumni picnic and the Halloween dance.
He found peace in his time at home on the farm caring for numerous animals, all which he had named. Jerry was an avid reader and always followed the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. He will be remembered as a humble and caring man who was dedicated to his family and to the students throughout the years who had become family.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Neil Ashenbrenner, Shawano; sisters Susan (Ray) Gruetzmacher, Suring, Bonnie (Douglas) Kline, Berlin, and Mary Beth Spencer, Manitowoc; brothers-in-law Robert (Lois) Hintz, Marion, Steven (Noreen) Hintz, Appleton, and Larry Hintz, Stevens Point; and special friend Dennis Steffens.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
As per his family’s wishes, all arrangements are private.
Memorials in Jerry’s name may be directed to the Bowler FFA, c/o Bowler High School, 500 Almon St. Bowler, WI 54416.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting his family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.