Gerald “Jerry” Lohberger, 79-year old-resident of Waldorf, died peacefully on Sunday morning, May 6, 2018 at the New Richland Care Center following an extended battle with ALS.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf with Fr. Michael Cronin as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph Community Cemetery. Military honors performed by the Thomas L. Madden Post #428 of Waldorf.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service-Arnoldt Chapel of Janesville and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Memorials are preferred to American Diabetes Association, ALS Association, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the donor’s choice in his memory.
Gerald “Jerry” Lohberger was born on August 13, 1938 in Mankato to Cleo and Ruth (Hinz) Lohberger. He grew up in Mapleton for a short time before his parents moved their family to the farm in rural Waldorf. Jerry was a 1956 graduate of Waldorf High School. Following his education he enlisted into the United States Navy and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1960. When Jerry returned home he began farming alongside his father and brother, Dale. In 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Joan Anna Schwichtenberg at the Little Brown Church. They enjoyed attending many dances together, wintering in Alamo, Texas and spending time with their family in friends. Together they shared 53 years of marriage before Joan passed away on March 17, 2018.
Jerry was a worker. He trucked for various companies throughout the area, helping out on the farm in his spare time and always willing to help a neighbor out. He ended his full time trucking career delivering United States mail from Minneapolis to Dallas for Norseman. He trucked part time for one year before being diagnosed with ALS in 2014, forcing Jerry into full retirement. Jerry was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf all his life. One of Jerry’s proudest accomplishments was being a member of the Million Mile Safety Club. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.
Jerry is survived his children: Elaine Witkowski, Ken (Sue) Schwichtenberg, Jim (Diane) Schwichtenberg, and Patti (Paul) Schlaak; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; brother, Dale.