Jerry Weisnicht, age 61 of Shawano, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 24, 2021. Jerry was born on May 12, 1960, to Ardella (Kroening) and the late Marvin Weisnicht. He attended St. James Lutheran School and graduated from UW Stevens Point. Jerry was united in marriage to Diane Spitzberger on June 20, 1981. He was the Administrator of Shawano Lake Sanitary District and employed with them for over 30 years.

There are people in your lifetime who are just honorable good decent human beings. People that everyone in a small town know and love. He was always ready to extend a helping hand, never saying no to any request and being around for his family, friends and community. Jerry Weisnicht was exactly that person.

He loved the flea market and his penchant for "pickin" was well known. His various collections were his passion even though Diane would beg him to pare it down (he couldn't)!
Some of his metal detecting discoveries were real finds. He was the "J" in his JBus and found it a fun side hustle. The star shortstop in baseball will always be remembered as one of the finest Shawano Lakers players in their heyday. Jerry's wide circle of friends dated back to grade school and his loss will impact all of them deeply.

Above all else he adored his family. Diane and Jerry had one of those special marriages that people envy. He always remembered the anniversary of their first date and sent flowers each year. They celebrated their 40th anniversary this past June and were truly best friends. His daughter Amber was the apple of his eye. Jerry had one of his proudest moments walking her down the aisle, and she was the first of his children to share his passion for fishing and hunting. Amber's husband Mark was not only a son in law, but one of Jerry's closest friends, sharing endless discussions of getting "Big Boy" and where the best fishing holes were. His sons Eric, and Wade were the athletes who Jerry coached in baseball and basketball (while they coached him in fantasy football) and they shared many trips to the ball diamond whether it be Miller Park or the Legion Field. Those moments together will be their most cherished forever. Jerry's manner of being a wonderful father is transcending to his boys as they follow in his footsteps mirroring his example with their own children. He told all of his children they could achieve anything they put their minds to if they wanted it enough, and although he was proud of their academic and professional achievements, their success as great human beings truly gave him the greatest pride.

He reached the prized title of "Grandpa" when little Lucy was born and was delighted to see her on the last day of his life. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first grandson due this spring.

Jerry also will be remembered as a devoted son to his mother Ardella and a supportive brother to Jeff and Steve.

Jerry was one of those rare finds who loved encouraging people to be the best they could be. In his tenure as administrator of the Shawano Lake Sanitary District his philosophy in the workplace was to hire people where the job could make a real substantive difference in their lives. He only wanted everyone to succeed.

Jerry was a personal hero to many young people whether it be his children, his nephews and nieces or those he coached. Not only did he mentor many kids, but he provided an example of being someone who you could count on for his integrity, fairness and being generous with his time. Jerry was the perfect example of someone who was admired and well respected, which is all a man could wish his legacy to be. He certainly deserved it.

Jerry is survived by: Diane, his wife of 40 years; his children, Amber (Mark) Tomaszewski, Eric (Aubrie Brochtrup) Weisnicht, and Wade (Maggie) Weisnicht; his granddaughter Lucy Weisnicht and grandson Myles (due in the spring); his mother, Ardella Weisnicht; brothers, Jeff and his son, AJ Weisnicht and Steve Weisnicht and his children, Carter, Crew, and Creden; his father and mother in-law, August and Lillian Spitzberger; brother and sisters in-law, Julie (Chuck Raasch) Bartz and their children, Jaime and son Charlie Gajewski, Nick (Liz) Bartz and their children, Grady and Archer, Ed (Barb) Spitzberger and their children, Ryan (Hollie) Spitzberger and their children Carter and Easton, Tiffany (Josh) Bennett and their children, Gaige and Pryce, Barb (Mike) Sprangers and their children, Logan Sprangers, Mason Sprangers, and Kari (Todd) Buck and their children, Sawyer, Payden, Tanner, Nolan.  Jerry is further survived by other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his father Marvin Weisnicht and nephew, Kaisen.

A funeral service will be held for Jerry at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with Rev. Mark Drengler officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and again on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at St. James Lutheran Church from 9:30 am until time of service.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Jerry Weisnicht Memorial Scholarship Fund.