Robert (Jerry) Gerow Wood

Robert (Jerry) Gerow Wood, age 90, passed away on June 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Katherine (Kathy), and their children: Deborah (Debbie) Nutzmann (Steve), David Wood (Lori), and Steven Wood (Judith). He was a cherished grandfather to Katelynn Lee (Corey), Olivia Long (Josh), Mackinzie Nutzmann (Megan), Eliza Nutzmann (Cody), Sophia Wood, Samuel Wood, and Charlotte Wood. He was a special great‑grandfather to Teddy and Shephard Long, and Benson Nutzmann. Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret (Peg) Lewis. He is also survived by many extended family members and countless friends who enriched his life and were enriched by his presence.

Born on November 21, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jerry grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, where he developed the steady, good‑humored, hard-working nature that defined him throughout his life.

After relocating to the Midwest, Jerry married the love of his life, Katherine (Kathy) Kurtz, on June 8, 1963, in Neenah, Wisconsin. They raised their family in Shorewood, Wisconsin, before retiring to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Together, they built a life grounded in devotion, laughter, adventure, and family. Their sixty‑three‑year marriage stands as a lasting testament to partnership and enduring love.

A man of remarkable work ethic, Jerry built a varied and successful career. He owned and operated his own trucking company, worked for Ladish and later worked for Consolidated Freightways (CF). No matter the job, Jerry approached his work with reliability, pride, and quiet determination.

Jerry was a faithful volunteer at his church, where he happily took on mowing duties—an act of service that combined his love of helping others with his love of being on his John Deere mower. He lived a life full of hobbies, passions, and simple joys. His natural abilities and attention to detail shaped everything he did. He loved the outdoors and instilled in his children a deep respect for the natural world through camping, boating, fishing, and, of course, Scouting.

Jerry’s athletic gifts served him throughout his life—from skiing, sailing, and soccer to the serenity he found in a bike ride or a walk in the woods. He enjoyed traveling to new places, especially South Padre Island, where he and Kathy spent many years as “snowbirds” flying kites on the beach. Throughout his incredible life, he captured countless precious memories through his love of photography. Anyone who attended a party with Jerry will remember his fondness for grasshoppers, sweet treats, and a good Brandy & Seven.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his playful streak, and his knack for finding delight in everyday moments. Jerry will be remembered fondly by all as he embodied the spirit that “there are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet.”

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Heritage Senior Living staff, the Memory Care Unit staff, and Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the family and friends who have walked this journey with us. It truly does take a village.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association - SE WI chapter in Jerry's name are welcome.

A visitation to celebrate Jerry's life will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 11:00am-12:00pm at White Stone Community Church (2517 N Dousman Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066), with a service to follow.

Jerry’s lasting legacy will live on through the traditions he created, the stories he shared, the adventures he inspired, and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered with gratitude, laughter, and enduring affection by all who knew him.