Gerald G. "Jerry" Spindler, 86, of Marshfield, passed away on Saturday, December 13, at House of the Dove surrounded by family.

Born on August 23, 1939, in Marshfield, Jerry was the son of Edwin and Apollonia (Oppman) Spindler. Jerry lived in Rozellville most of his life and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1957. On February 13, 1960, he married Carol Pongratz. They shared 65 years together, working side by side building Spindler Feed Mill and Spindler Spray Service with long hours, sacrifice and a determination to succeed. They sold the business in 1999 and spent their retirement enjoying life; traveling to Arizona for the winter, attending the activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren and playing cards with friends. In 1982 they purchased a cottage on Lake Solberg in Phillips and have been creating cherished memories at the lake with the family ever since.

In his early years Jerry played baseball with the Rozellville Roses and later slowpitch softball with Fahey's Bar, Spindler's Bar, Watering Trough and 7-Up Bottling. He started league bowling at age 13 and continued bowling for Beining's Garage until 15 years ago. He also found pleasure in golfing and an occasional trip to the casino. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and proudly told visitors about his 49 fishing trips to Canada. Jerry spent countless hours in his woodworking shop. Over the years he designed and built many pieces of furniture and craft items. In 1973, Jerry was proud to be a charter member of the Rozellville Lions Club. He held various officer positions, volunteered at fundraising events, and spearheaded the development of the Rozellville Ballpark along with his brother Dale, Jack Fahey, and others. In retirement he was a transporter for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and in 1998 was awarded the Birch Sturm Fellowship by the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

His memory remained strong to the end and recent visitors spent many hours hearing stories about his youth, family members and life in Rozellville.

Jerry was a man of great faith. He served St. Andrew's Parish throughout his life as a mass server, usher and member of the Parish Council. He found great joy in faithfully attending Mass and receiving the sacraments.

Survivors include his wife Carol, his children Sue (Bob) Haupt, Edgar; Don (Wendy), Stratford; Mary (Mark) Repking, Athens; Tom (Sharon), Marshfield; and Greg, Chippewa Falls. Jerry had 10 grandchildren: LeeAnn Shea, Katie Diestelhorst, Michael Spindler, Carrie Oakland, Riggs and Brooks Repking, Gracie Spindler, and Griffin, Rylee and Bentley Spindler as well as 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Lang, his brother Duane "Butch" (Rae) Spindler, sister-in-law Elaine Spindler and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dale, brother-in-law Ray Lang, Carol's parents, Mike and Liz Pongratz and a great granddaughter in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew's Church, Rozellville, on Friday, December 19th at 11:00 am. Father Eric Mashak will officiate, music will be provided by the St. Andrew's Guitar Group. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8pm at the Rembs Funeral Home, with a rosary service at 3:30. There will also be visitation at the church from 9:30 until the time of services. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a fund the family will distribute according to Jerry's wishes.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Nurse Heather with Compassus Home Hospice Care, Nurse Cari Krahn and the entire staff at House of the Dove, Dr. Tammy Benjamin at Marshfield Medical Center and Father Eric Mashak. Their compassion and guidance through this journey have been invaluable and a great comfort to all of us.