Gerald E. 'Jerry' Plamann

Gerald E. Plamann, 82, of Merrill, passed away January 6, 2025, at his home. 

Jerry was born April 10, 1942, son of Erwin and Dorothy (Borchert) Plamann. Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. He graduated as an “Honorman” at Great Lakes Naval Academy and served on the USS Kaskaskia. While on that tour, he was able to visit and sight-see in many countries, which he thoroughly enjoyed. While serving stateside he was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He was honorably discharged after serving four years. He was very proud to have served and went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in May of 2019. Jerry was a lifetime member of V.F.W and an American Legion member.

Jerry retired from Brokaw Paper Mill after 31 years. While working at the paper mill, he also owned Sunrise Electric. Once he retired from the paper mill, his electrical business really took off. Jerry was always ready to help people if having electrical problems at any time day or night. He took his work very seriously. Jerry had also worked for a beer brewing company based out of Milwaukee and installed dozens of beer signs outside bars throughout the area. 

Jerry was a Charter Member of Gleason Area Lions Club. He and a few other people established the club in 1985 and he was a member of the club until his passing. He attended the Lions International Conference in Brisbane, Australia in 1991, and was the first member to attend an international Conference. He met Sandra at a Lions Club Bowling fund raiser – from then on, they were together for over 12 years. Jerry was very active in Lions Club until being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2024. 

Jerry was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. He served as the Town of Schley Supervisor from 2009-2024. He was also a N.R.A. member. He was a member of H.O.G. and was very happy riding his Harley. Jerry and Sandra put on a lot of miles, some with friends but mostly just the two of them.

He was a supporter of M.D.A. Colorama Car Shows for many years. In his younger years he played baseball and later on sponsored teams, winning many trophies which he was very proud of. 

He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Canada. He traveled to many bowling tournaments for Lions Club. Jerry went to many Milwaukee Brewer games and was also a Green Bay Packers fan. He golfed in different states with friends. Jerry had a lot of friends and will be missed by all. Jerry is survived by his fiancée, Sandra (Wedler) Nichols of Merrill; brother and sister-in-law, Arnold and Julie Plamann of Merrill; and nephews, Patrick (Joy) Plamann of Sartell, MN, Daniel (Stacey) Plamann of Harshaw, and Jay (Amy) Marvin of Merrill. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Dorothy Plamann; and sisters, JoAnn (Gerald) Marvin and Carol (Ken) McCasksill.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

All donations may be directed to the Gleason Area Lions Club, PO Box 94, Gleason, WI 54435