Jerome Michael Potts

Jerome Michael "Jerry" Potts, 57, of Green Bay, WI, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 after battling cancer.

He was born in Mankato, MN on April 29, 1958 to the late George and Ardis Potts. Jerry's family moved to Racine, WI, where he spent his childhood, and later to Sheboygan, WI, where Jerry attended South High School and met the love of his life, Monica Gonering, during their sophomore year. The pair graduated from high school in 1976 and attended college together at Marquette University. They wed on July 12, 1980 before Jerry attended Marquette University School of Dentistry and received his doctorate.

After dental school, Jerry and Monica moved back to Sheboygan, where Jerry practiced dentistry and they started a family. He selflessly devoted himself to providing a beautiful life for them full of happy memories of outdoor adventures and family vacations. After several years of commuting to Milwaukee, Jerry's career brought his family to Green Bay, where he continued to practice at Dental Associates throughout most of his career. He was able to serve his passion for helping others at a public health clinic when he commuted to Lakewood from 2004-2007 to practice at Northern Health Center. He served as a Den Leader for his son's Boy Scout troops as well as a leader for many of his daughter's mission trips.

Jerry especially enjoyed reading, biking, watching movies, walking the family dog, and spending time with his wife and children. He was a talented musician, wordsmith, and chef among a great many more things that will all be dearly missed including the wry sense of humor and enduring faith that he held on to until the end.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Monica Potts; two loving children, Cassandra (Stephen) Inman and Ethan Potts; two brothers, Gregory Potts of Green Bay, WI and David (Susan) Potts of Milwaukee, WI; one sister, Bonnie (Daniel) Delray of Sheboygan, WI; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennis and Mary Gonering of De Pere, WI; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Gonering of Sheboygan, WI and David Gonering of Wichita, KS; one sister-in-law, Denise (Stanley) Petek of Sheboygan, WI; nieces, nephews, a great-niece and great-nephews, and godchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, and most recently, his mother.

A Memorial Service honoring Jerry's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 501 Howe Street, in Green Bay, where Jerry was an active member, serving in singing groups and various committees. Friends may call at the church from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, May 18. The service will be held at 6:00, and friends are welcome to stay to celebrate Jerry's life with a light reception afterward. A private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery will be held for immediate family only at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.