Gerald "Jerry" Keith Sanapaw, Sr., age 73, of Keshena, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Jerry was born on October 4, 1946, in Keshena, to the late Jerome and Marcelene (Kinepoway) Sanapaw. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. On February 4, 1978, Jerry was united in marriage to Marcia Ninham in Keshena. He was traditional and an exceptional storyteller. Jerry enjoyed music and was a champion dancer. He enjoyed playing his guitar "Chick" for family and friends. Jerry worked as a sawyer and owned and operated M & J Traditional Catering for many years. In his free time he liked hunting, playing cards, and going to the casino. Jerry loved watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He was a very generous person, always willing to help out his family and friends in any way that he could.

Gerald is survived by: his wife of 42 years, Marcia; his children, Richard South, Tami L. Ninham, Carol A. Sanapaw, Jean M. (Ryan) Wussow, Gerald K. (Patricia M.) Sanapaw II, Anthony W. (Colleen) Sanapaw, Manihsaeh I. (Judith Boyd) Sanapaw, and Brad L. Pecore; his grandchildren, Awaehsaeh-Enaeniw, Aden, Violet Rose, Waposohseh, Abraham, Sofiya, Jordan, and Maverick; and his sisters, Leona Sanapaw, Barbara Wheelock, and Shelby (Leslie) Kaquatosh. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by a grandson, Allyn Anthony Sanapaw, his parents, and his siblings, Isabel Cloud, Joseph Sanapaw, Sr., Irene Maulson, Raymond Sanapaw, Leroy Sanapaw, Bernard Sanapaw, Richard "Rocky" Sanapaw, Patricia Brisk, and Marlene Denny.

Traditional services will be held at the Sanapaw residence, N1123 Old South Branch Road, Keshena, beginning at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 until the procession leaves for Our Lady of the Woods Cemetery at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 21, 2020.