Jerome Robert Backus, age 69, entered eternal life on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at his home while surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.
Jerry was born on November 27, 1955 in Manitowoc to the late Robert and Gertrude (Hoyer) Backus. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1974. On June 8, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Bessert at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Alverno. Jerry worked at Kaufmann Manufacturing for 40 years as a service engineer and had the opportunity to travel the world. He enjoyed playing volleyball and sheepshead in his younger days. Jerry also enjoyed cooking for his family for weekend gatherings. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
Survivors include Jerry’s wife of 51 years: Judy Backus; their five children: Christine (Robert) Monday, Manitowoc; Nancy (Michael) Jansen, Howard; Adam (Jessica) Backus, Manitowoc; Jean (Kevin) Drossart, Manitowoc; and Kay Lynn Backus, Manitowoc; 17 grandchildren: Taylor (Brandon) Kralovetz, Megan (Matt) Meyer, Isabella Mattie (fiancé Tanner Peterik), Christian Monday, Raegan Jansen, Owen Jansen, Elizabeth Backus, Paige Backus, Zoie Skarvan, Alana Skarvan, Colton Thorison, Charlie Drossart, Reese Drossart, and Michael Drossart; seven great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Don (Mary Jane) Backus, Tom Backus, Chuck (Barb) Backus, Dick Backus, Diane (Jerry) Wagner, Cheryl (Todd) Terp, and Carol (Kelly) Christiansen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Linda Backus, Nell Backus, Lori Backus, Mary (Douglas) Schultz, Sue Krcma, Kathy (John) Dodge, Cindy Elfner, Randy Mrozinsky, and Doreen Bessert; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Gertrude and Robert Backus; brothers: Bill Backus, Tony Backus, and Lee Backus; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Kenneth Bessert Sr. and Peggy Bessert; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law: Lindy Backus, Robert Krcma, Debra Mrozinsky, Kenneth Bessert Jr.; and two nephews: Bob Backus and Kenneth Bessert III.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry with burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Alverno. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
Jerry’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Aurora Hospice and Aurora Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Two Rivers for all the care and compassion they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
