Gerald A. Rynders

Of Brookfield passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the age of 87 years. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Anthony and Anna (nee Goeller) Rynders. Jerry was a proud United States Army Veteran, serving as a Radio Operator in the Signal Corp in post war Yokohama, Japan. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Tec 4 and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal - Japan. He married the love of his life, Patricia E. Doyle, on October 20, 1951. Jerry was a graduate of Marquette University class of 1951and worked as an Electrical Engineer for Line Material and McGraw Edison for many years. He holds a US Patent for designing a component used in the electric power grid. Jerry provided a lifetime of service to his community and in living, as he lived his Christian faith. Included among his many volunteer activities were serving as a long time usher and Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) high school student teacher at Immaculate Conception Church in Milwaukee, operating the Corn Roast booth at the annual St. John's School for the Deaf (St. Francis) fundraiser picnic and working at spaghetti dinner fundraisers and other activities in support for the House of Peace in Milwaukee. During his involvement with Council 4614 of the Knights of Columbus, Jerry served as Chancellor and editor of the Cardinal's Staff newsletter, contributing a series of insightful and witty articles: "Comments by Chance". While serving as a trustee for St. Catherine's of Alexander of Oconomowoc, Jerry contributed to various improvements of the church building and grounds. Jerry enjoyed woodworking and traveling with his wife. He especially loved spending time relaxing and enjoying good food with his family and friends. Jerry's sense of humor was renown among all those who had the privilege to spend time with him. Perhaps the finest platform for displaying his gregarious and generous nature was 'Rynders Roost', a summer vacation home near Crooked Lake in the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. There Jerry and his wife, Pat, entertained countless family members and friends while providing his children access to daily nature walks, swimming, fishing and a host of other social and recreational activities. Jerry will be sadly missed by his children, Diane Knurr, Cathy (Larry) Peissig, Dave (Ellen Anderson) Rynders and Tony (Diane Simpson) Rynders; grandchildren, Adam( Jenny) Knurr, Jessica (Chris Dant) Knurr, Diana (Katy) Koppa, Rachel, Anna, and Nora Anderson Rynders, Madeline and Audrey Rynders; great- grandchildren, Adam and Anthony Knurr and Bobby and Ashley Koppa. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other close relatives and friends. A visitation for Jerry will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. Rev. Howard Haase will be officiating. A private inurnment will take place at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to National Osteoporosis Foundation, 251 18th Street S, Suite 630, Arlington, VA, 22202 • 1(800) 231-4222 • [email protected] would be appreciated. A special thank you to all the staff at The Virginia, The Silverado, and Allay Home and Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Jerry.