Gerald "Jig" Girard

Gerald "Jig" Girard age 93 passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022 at Unity Hospice Meng Residence. He was surrounded by many Angels that cared so compassionately for him.

Gerald was born February 8, 1929 in Marinette, WI to the late George & Ann Girard. He attended Marinette High School graduating in 1947. After graduation, he attended LaCross State College for 1.5 years. While in high school, he lettered in football, basketball, tennis and track. At LaCross, he lettered in football & basketball. He later played semi-pro for M&M Football Team and the Peshtigo Rockets Basketball Team.

Jig was drafted in the US Army during the Korean War from 1951-1952 aquiring the rank of Sargent. After the army, he returned to Menominee, Mi to marry his beautiful bride-to-be, Romayne Kudliki on January 24, 1953. They were married for 45 wonderful years bearing 3 children: Michelle, Jerilynn, and John. She later passed away February 24, 1998.

Gerald later met and married Theresa Belongiea from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. They would live in Florida, Green Bay and Thunder Bay. She passed away January 31, 2022.

During Gerald's life he worked as a Produce Manager-Buyer at the Wholesale level for Super Valu, United Foods in Little Chute, WI and SC Shannon Co., Appleton, WI from 1959 to 1990. He enjoyed working at his son John's fruit, flowers, and fireworks stand.

He dreamed of retiring young so he could spend winters in sunny Florida. He accomplished this by spending winters in Orlando and Panama City Beach, Florida for almost 30 yrs. He always said he did not want to shovel or see snow anymore and he made that come true!

Gerald is survived by his Children: Michelle DeBroux (Dan) Jerilynn Watermolen (Dave Wampole), & John Girard (Debbie). Grandchildren: Derek, Dustin DeBroux (Kim), Niki Watermolen (Mark Raymaker), Lynsey Salmon (Adam), Whitney Heinrich (Peter), Frankie & Johnnie Girard, Robbie & Jillian LaFrombois. Great Grandchildren: Danny, Alex, Nicholas, Tommy, Vince, Delta, Zoe and Mia. He is further survived by his oldest brother, George, who is still active at 97 yrs old.

Gerald was preceded in death by his brothers: Robert-1991 and Earl "Jug" Girard 1996. Jug was Gerald's idol who was an exceptional all around athlete. All American in Football at the University of Wisconsin and later 10 years he played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was voted the "Best Athlete" to ever come out of the Marinette & Menominee area.

Gerald was a devoted Green Bay Packers, Badgers, Brewer & Bucks Fan. He loved being a spectator of ALL SPORTS! He even attended the Ice Bowl Game with friend and Green Bay Packer Punter, Dick Deschaine.

A very special time that was dear to Jig was when his brothers, George and Gerald, went to Washington DC on the Honor Flight to visit the various war memorials in 2019.

A special thanks to his Children and Grandchildren for their FOREVER Support and Love throughout his life! His neighbors at Hometown Apartments for always checking on him and helping him when needed especially during this past 6 months. God Bless you All! A very Special Thanks to Unity Hospice for their Outstanding, Compassionate Care even when Gerald was demanding or cranky, those wonderful care takers always had a Kind smile on their faces. They are truly "Angels of Mercy!" A very Special Thanks to his Nephew and Wife, Jeff and Mary Girard for your Special Prayers, visits and phone calls from Milwaukee!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2nd from 2 PM - 4 PM at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay. A funeral service will follow at 4 PM with full military honors. Interment will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a special donation to the Green Bay Campus of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

"Do everything in moderation." I did!