Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. In order to abide by “Safer at Home,” only the immediate family will be in attendance. However, all are welcome to watch the live streaming of the Mass by clicking on the link which will be provided before it begins. A private interment will take place at Old Holy Cross Cemetery on Kinzie Ave.
Click on this link (if there is technical difficulties with live streaming the service will be recorded and will be view)
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials have been suggested to St. Richard’s Catholic Church, St. Catherine’s High School or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
Click on this link (if there is technical difficulties with live streaming the service will be recorded and will be viewable later)
RACINE – Jerome J. Maller, 88, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Jerry was born in Racine on January 27, 1932, the son of the late Edmund J. and Verna M. (nee: Kosterman) Maller. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1950. He proudly served his nation during the Korean War from 1952-54 with the U.S. Marine Corps, First Division. Upon returning from Korea he attended Marquette University and graduated in 1957.
On August 27, 1955 he married Eleanor C. Gedemer at Holy Name Catholic Church.
In 1965 Jerry was appointed by Mayor William Beyer as the first Finance Director and Treasurer of the city of Racine. He held that position until his retirement in 2000.
Jerry was a member of Holy Name and St. Richard’s Catholic Churches where he served as former trustee. He was former Commandant of the Agerholm Marine Corps League as well as a member of the Marine Corps Honor Guard and the VFW Post 1391.
Jerry was also a member and past president of the Wisconsin Finance Officers Association, the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 697 and a member of the Deutscher Maenner Verein. He also served as a trustee on the Racine Library Board and on the board of directors for St. Monica’s Senior Home.
In addition to his loving wife, Eleanor, Jerry is survived by his daughters and sons, Anne (Paul) Reinhold, Joseph (Janet) Maller, Peter (Marsha) Maller, Mary Maller, Margaret (Timothy) Bruns, Paul (Christy) Maller; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Kylie), Nicholas (Ashley), Christopher, Matthew and Abigail Reinhold, Kayla Maller, Sarah and Rachel Maller, Nathaniel and Philip Weiglein, Amelia, Eleanor and Henry Bruns, Owen and Molly Maller; his sister, Marylu Smith; sister-in-law, Barbara Gedemer; brother-in-law, Edmund Kretschmer; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jerry was also preceded in death by his dear daughter, Christie Maller; his sister and brothers-in-law, Dolores (Dennis) Lawler and Ronald House.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. In order to abide by “Safer at Home,” only the immediate family will be in attendance. However, all are welcome to watch the live streaming of the Mass by clicking on the link on the funeral home’s website where Jerry’s obituary is listed. A private interment will take place at Old Holy Cross Cemetery on Kinzie Ave. Memorials have been suggested to St. Richard’s Catholic Church, St. Catherine’s High School or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The family thanks Parkview Gardens and Ascension Hospice for their wonderful care of Jerome.
Tom Karkow says
I dealt with Jerrry many times as a radio reporter, and he always treated me well. He even got to the point of trusting me. I’m sure he knew my father, which may have helped. He lived an amazing life. Condolences to the family.
Bill & Laurel Celeste says
Bill Celeste writes:
I knew Jerry for over 60 years! Jerry along with Fr. Edward Vogel made Holy Name the GREAT Parish it was!! It was my pleasure to coach most of the Maller children during the 70’s & 80’s. You can all be very proud of him as he is of you!
My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Marylu Maller Smith says
Rest well my dear brother. You will always be with us in spirit.
George Filber says
May the Lord bless you with sweet memories of Jerry
Rita Sutter says
Praised be Jesus Christ….My deepest sympathy.
Carl and Susan Frank says
You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Hope you can find peace in the wonderful life your husband, father, and grandfather had. He was always surrounded by all his family.
Mark Lawler says
Rest In Peace my dear uncle.
Dan DeMatthew says
Thank you to the Maller family. You shared Jerry with the City of Racine and we are all better for it. Jerry was a hard working, kind, honest man, with a great sense of humor. I appreciate what he did for the Racine area and for me.
Maller Family, thank you and may Jerry rest in peace.
Richard Kreitz says
He was a really neat man and I always enjoyed the Gedemer Family Picnics and the opportunity to see him.
Larry Gedemer says
Uncle Jerry was a very much Loved and AWESOME UNCLE. He certainly will missed.
Rest easy Uncle Jerry and enjoy Heaven!
With Love,
Larry
Van & MaryJo Wanggaard says
Jerry was a real gentleman, Nan of integrity who loved RACINE. He will be missed!
Queta Smith and Philip Himanka says
Holding the family in our hearts 💞
Michael Benner says
Condolences to Eleanor and family from Knights of Columbus Insurance. “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Charles T. Klimek says
I didn’t have a lot of contact with Jerry at the City of Racine, when I did, he always treated me very respectfully. He was very dedicated, & proud that he was a hometown boy, working for his city. His sense of humor at retirement functions was wonderful!
Deepest condolences to all who loved him.
Jim & Diane Kempken says
So sorry to hear about Jerome’s passing and wishing we could join you on Saturday to grieve with the family but we will be watching the Mass via the funeral home streaming. Please give our condolences and sympathy to all the family and May He Rest in Peace. He was a remarkable man and are proud to be his cousin.
The Jensen Family says
Our deepest condolences to the Maller family . May the wonderful memories of a life well lived carry you through these tough days. Sending all our love.
Carolyn Moskonas says
Condolences to the Maller family.
I had the honor of working with Mr. Mailer. He was the city’s financial father and the city fared extremely well under his stewardship. A no nonsense and extremely competent man he also could be compassionate and funny. He had this cute devilish smile that would surface on special occasions.
I remember my 1st encounter with him at a budget hearing in the mayor’s office. There on that long impressive table among the important budget papers sat an abacus. After seeing the look on my face he flashed me that smile.
After his retirement I was fortunate to see him on several occasions as a member of the vets performing military honors. I wish I would have thanked him for his service as a veteran and a dedicated public servant.
RIP Mr. Maller.
Diane Hoaglund says
My condolences to the Maller Family. Jerry was a Mentor to my husband, Donald. He took Don under his wings by providing him employment as an Accountant for the City of Racine working his way up to become the City’s Payroll Supervisor. Without Mr. Maller’s guidance in choosing him, showing his love for numbers, Don would not have been as successful an Accountant. Jerry also was helpful in recommending me to the Library Board for employment. For all he has done for our family, I will always be eternally grateful. Rest in Peace Mr. Maller. God bless your family and may the Angels in Heaven surround them within their Wings.
Ed Doonan says
Rest In Peace Jerry May God bless all the family members.
Trish Saffold says
My sincere condolences to the Maller family.
God bless the family!
Anonymous says
Dear Eleanor, Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing – you have our prayers & thoughts. Take care of yourself during this health crisis. God Be with you – Jim & Marilyn Adams
Stephen A. Golden says
For many years, I viewed my cousin as the unofficial head of the family on the Kosterman side. He was a tremendous help to my father and mother, always, for which I shall be forever grateful. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him and a role model to me in particular. He will be remembered with fondness and gratitude by all of us for the rest of our lives.
Steve Golden, Hercules, CA
Sandy Lubecke says
Sending comforting thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time..
Stacy Cervantes says
Deepest sympathies to all the Maller family. Your dad was a great guy. Hugs to you all. Andy, Stacy, Carlos and Olivia Cervantes