Jerome M. Zipperer, age 76, of 4907 Vista Road, Manitowoc, died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 23, 2011, in Oconto County on his final deer hunt.

Jerry was born on July 24, 1935, son of the late Louis and Elizabeth (Meidl) Zipperer. He graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from September of 1955 to June of 1957. On August 23, 1958, Jerry married the former Bonita Walters at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manitowoc. He worked in the maintenance department at Lapcor for 39 ? years until his retirement in 1997. Jerry was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc Aerie No. 706 Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Old Timers Baseball League. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.

Survivors include his wife: Bonita Zipperer, Manitowoc; three children and their spouses: Russell (Carrie) Zipperer, Cato; Debra (Ted) Rathsack, Manitowoc; Laurie (David) Radke, Oconto Falls; six grandchildren: Justin Zipperer, Tyler (Amanda) Zipperer, Karissa (Patrick) Hamoy, Adam (Tessa) Rathsack, Jerrod Rathsack, Tad Taggart; one brother and two sisters-in-law: LeRoy (Donna) Zipperer, Whitelaw; Bernadine Zipperer, Cato; one sister and brother-in-law: Jeanette (Leroy) Remiker, Two Rivers. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his four brothers: Ray, Clarence, Norbert and Art; four sisters: Margaret Kohlman, Loretta Franzen, Arlene Kocourek, Clara Zipperer; three sisters-in-law: Rose Zipperer, Donna Zipperer, Irene Zipperer; three brothers-in-law: Ed Kohlman; Helmer Franzen; John Kocourek.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday November 28, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi-Waldo, North 14th Street and Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc. Rev. Richard Klingeisen will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial of his cremated remains at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.com

Published in Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from Nov. 26 to Nov. 27, 2011