Pilger Sr., Gerald R.
Gerald R. Pilger Sr., age 88, of 3519 Schroeder Drive, Manitowoc, entered eternal life to join his wife, family members, and friends early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at his residence.
Jerry was born on May 22, 1924 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Charles W. and Helen Burowski Pilger. He grew up in an environment of ships and shipbuilding in Manitowoc. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and immediately went to work at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company as a ship fitter helper building submarines for Uncle Sam. Entering the United States Navy in 1943, he completed basic training and communication technology at the University of Illinois. His request for submarine duty was granted and sub training was completed in Groton CT. Assigned to new construction, Jerry came back to Manitowoc. Aboard the USS Jallao, he completed three successful combat patrols in the South Pacific highlighted by sinking a Japanese cruiser and saving downed aircraft crewmembers. Honorably discharge in 1946 Jerry returned to Manitowoc. He then continued his education and completed two years of college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and held several jobs in Manitowoc eventually retiring from the City of Manitowoc after 28 years of service. In addition to full time employment, Jerry formed the local chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II. In 1968 the chapter elected to pursue bringing a Manitowoc built submarine to this city as a memorial to lost shipmates. Jerry was a founding father of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum which successfully brought the USS Cobia to Manitowoc in 1970. Over 40 years of dedicated service to the museum, he served four terms as president, eighteen years on the board of directors, and always on call as a trusted advisor on museum and submarine affairs.
In retirement, Jerry and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed traveling the world and visiting their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. Jerry was also an avid hunter and fisherman with his extended network of family and friends. His numerous memberships, associations, and activities brought the Manitowoc community an engaging sense of pride in what Manitowoc and its inhabitants brought to life in products and services.
Jerry also enjoyed a special connection to military personnel and their families all across the United States. He reserved a place in his heart for those honorably serving and supporting their country in all the branches of the military and it showed in so many things Jerry said and did.
Jerry was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, founder of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club, Van's Athletic Club, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Noon Optimist Club, US World War II Submarine Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Jeffrey and Mary Beth Pilger, Island Lake, Il; Gerald Jr. and Valerie Pilger, Long Beach, CA; Peter Pilger, Naples, FL; one daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and Ned Schlosser, Milwaukee, WI; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother: Jimmy Pilger, Manitowoc; other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Helen Pilger; his wife: Elizabeth; one brother Charles and one sister Dorothy.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Kujawski and Rev. Stephen Melso. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659. Following the ceremonies at the cemetery, relatives and friends are invited to a Life Celebration social with food and beverages provided at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Relatives and friends may call at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church on Monday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Cobia Fund.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Published in Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from June 25 to July 8, 2012
Gerald R. Pilger Sr., age 88, of 3519 Schroeder Drive, Manitowoc, entered eternal life to join his wife, family members, and friends early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at his residence.
Jerry was born on May 22, 1924 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Charles W. and Helen Burowski Pilger. He grew up in an environment of ships and shipbuilding in Manitowoc. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and immediately went to work at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company as a ship fitter helper building submarines for Uncle Sam. Entering the United States Navy in 1943, he completed basic training and communication technology at the University of Illinois. His request for submarine duty was granted and sub training was completed in Groton CT. Assigned to new construction, Jerry came back to Manitowoc. Aboard the USS Jallao, he completed three successful combat patrols in the South Pacific highlighted by sinking a Japanese cruiser and saving downed aircraft crewmembers. Honorably discharge in 1946 Jerry returned to Manitowoc. He then continued his education and completed two years of college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and held several jobs in Manitowoc eventually retiring from the City of Manitowoc after 28 years of service. In addition to full time employment, Jerry formed the local chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II. In 1968 the chapter elected to pursue bringing a Manitowoc built submarine to this city as a memorial to lost shipmates. Jerry was a founding father of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum which successfully brought the USS Cobia to Manitowoc in 1970. Over 40 years of dedicated service to the museum, he served four terms as president, eighteen years on the board of directors, and always on call as a trusted advisor on museum and submarine affairs.
In retirement, Jerry and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed traveling the world and visiting their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. Jerry was also an avid hunter and fisherman with his extended network of family and friends. His numerous memberships, associations, and activities brought the Manitowoc community an engaging sense of pride in what Manitowoc and its inhabitants brought to life in products and services.
Jerry also enjoyed a special connection to military personnel and their families all across the United States. He reserved a place in his heart for those honorably serving and supporting their country in all the branches of the military and it showed in so many things Jerry said and did.
Jerry was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, founder of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club, Van's Athletic Club, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Noon Optimist Club, US World War II Submarine Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Jeffrey and Mary Beth Pilger, Island Lake, Il; Gerald Jr. and Valerie Pilger, Long Beach, CA; Peter Pilger, Naples, FL; one daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and Ned Schlosser, Milwaukee, WI; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother: Jimmy Pilger, Manitowoc; other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Helen Pilger; his wife: Elizabeth; one brother Charles and one sister Dorothy.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Kujawski and Rev. Stephen Melso. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659. Following the ceremonies at the cemetery, relatives and friends are invited to a Life Celebration social with food and beverages provided at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Relatives and friends may call at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church on Monday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Cobia Fund.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Published in Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from June 25 to July 8, 2012
Pilger Sr., Gerald R.
Gerald R. Pilger Sr., age 88, of 3519 Schroeder Drive, Manitowoc, entered eternal life to join his wife, family members, and friends early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at his residence.
Jerry was born on May 22, 1924 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Charles W. and Helen Burowski Pilger. He grew up in an environment of ships and shipbuilding in Manitowoc. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and immediately went to work at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company as a ship fitter helper building submarines for Uncle Sam. Entering the United States Navy in 1943, he completed basic training and communication technology at the University of Illinois. His request for submarine duty was granted and sub training was completed in Groton CT. Assigned to new construction, Jerry came back to Manitowoc. Aboard the USS Jallao, he completed three successful combat patrols in the South Pacific highlighted by sinking a Japanese cruiser and saving downed aircraft crewmembers. Honorably discharge in 1946 Jerry returned to Manitowoc. He then continued his education and completed two years of college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and held several jobs in Manitowoc eventually retiring from the City of Manitowoc after 28 years of service. In addition to full time employment, Jerry formed the local chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II. In 1968 the chapter elected to pursue bringing a Manitowoc built submarine to this city as a memorial to lost shipmates. Jerry was a founding father of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum which successfully brought the USS Cobia to Manitowoc in 1970. Over 40 years of dedicated service to the museum, he served four terms as president, eighteen years on the board of directors, and always on call as a trusted advisor on museum and submarine affairs.
In retirement, Jerry and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed traveling the world and visiting their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. Jerry was also an avid hunter and fisherman with his extended network of family and friends. His numerous memberships, associations, and activities brought the Manitowoc community an engaging sense of pride in what Manitowoc and its inhabitants brought to life in products and services.
Jerry also enjoyed a special connection to military personnel and their families all across the United States. He reserved a place in his heart for those honorably serving and supporting their country in all the branches of the military and it showed in so many things Jerry said and did.
Jerry was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, founder of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club, Van's Athletic Club, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Noon Optimist Club, US World War II Submarine Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Jeffrey and Mary Beth Pilger, Island Lake, Il; Gerald Jr. and Valerie Pilger, Long Beach, CA; Peter Pilger, Naples, FL; one daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and Ned Schlosser, Milwaukee, WI; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother: Jimmy Pilger, Manitowoc; other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Helen Pilger; his wife: Elizabeth; one brother Charles and one sister Dorothy.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Kujawski and Rev. Stephen Melso. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659. Following the ceremonies at the cemetery, relatives and friends are invited to a Life Celebration social with food and beverages provided at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Relatives and friends may call at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church on Monday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Cobia Fund.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Published in Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from June 25 to July 8, 2012
Gerald R. Pilger Sr., age 88, of 3519 Schroeder Drive, Manitowoc, entered eternal life to join his wife, family members, and friends early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at his residence.
Jerry was born on May 22, 1924 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Charles W. and Helen Burowski Pilger. He grew up in an environment of ships and shipbuilding in Manitowoc. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and immediately went to work at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company as a ship fitter helper building submarines for Uncle Sam. Entering the United States Navy in 1943, he completed basic training and communication technology at the University of Illinois. His request for submarine duty was granted and sub training was completed in Groton CT. Assigned to new construction, Jerry came back to Manitowoc. Aboard the USS Jallao, he completed three successful combat patrols in the South Pacific highlighted by sinking a Japanese cruiser and saving downed aircraft crewmembers. Honorably discharge in 1946 Jerry returned to Manitowoc. He then continued his education and completed two years of college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and held several jobs in Manitowoc eventually retiring from the City of Manitowoc after 28 years of service. In addition to full time employment, Jerry formed the local chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II. In 1968 the chapter elected to pursue bringing a Manitowoc built submarine to this city as a memorial to lost shipmates. Jerry was a founding father of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum which successfully brought the USS Cobia to Manitowoc in 1970. Over 40 years of dedicated service to the museum, he served four terms as president, eighteen years on the board of directors, and always on call as a trusted advisor on museum and submarine affairs.
In retirement, Jerry and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed traveling the world and visiting their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. Jerry was also an avid hunter and fisherman with his extended network of family and friends. His numerous memberships, associations, and activities brought the Manitowoc community an engaging sense of pride in what Manitowoc and its inhabitants brought to life in products and services.
Jerry also enjoyed a special connection to military personnel and their families all across the United States. He reserved a place in his heart for those honorably serving and supporting their country in all the branches of the military and it showed in so many things Jerry said and did.
Jerry was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, founder of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club, Van's Athletic Club, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Noon Optimist Club, US World War II Submarine Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: Jeffrey and Mary Beth Pilger, Island Lake, Il; Gerald Jr. and Valerie Pilger, Long Beach, CA; Peter Pilger, Naples, FL; one daughter and son-in-law: Tammy and Ned Schlosser, Milwaukee, WI; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother: Jimmy Pilger, Manitowoc; other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Helen Pilger; his wife: Elizabeth; one brother Charles and one sister Dorothy.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Kujawski and Rev. Stephen Melso. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto Oas Post #659. Following the ceremonies at the cemetery, relatives and friends are invited to a Life Celebration social with food and beverages provided at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Relatives and friends may call at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church on Monday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum Cobia Fund.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Published in Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from June 25 to July 8, 2012
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