Jerome “Jerry” E. Zigmund, 92, of Manitowoc passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Jerry was born on November 7, 1932, in Manitowoc to the late Felix and Angeline (Mrotek) Zigmund. He had fond memories of the neighborhood kids gathering and playing sports in the street. He attended Lincoln High and St. Lawrence Seminary. After three years at the seminary, he believed that was not his calling and moved onto his next adventure. Jerry was drafted and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Jerry married DeAnne Stecker, and the couple moved to Phoenix, where they resided for 30 years. DeAnne was killed in an automobile accident in 1995. Three years later, Jerry met Carol Schlei-Wetenkamp in Manitowoc, and they were married on January 16, 1998. Together they moved to Florida, then Tennessee before returning back home to Manitowoc.
Jerry was a sports editor for The Manitowoc Herald Times and the Phoenix Suns. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Jerry was an avid sports fan, especially the Green Bay Packers, and he enjoyed surfing the internet, playing bingo, and traveling.
Jerry is survived by his wife: Carol; children: Debbie (significant other Mark Wilda) Reynolds, Bill (significant other Stephanie Redner) Schlei, Ron (Ann) Schlei, and Bruce (Barbara) Schlei; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Feliz and Angeline Zigmund; his first wife: DeAnne Zigmund; and brothers and sisters-in-law.
A private family service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
