Racine – Gerald Roger Nitz, age 88, passed away peacefully at St. Monica's Senior Living on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Jerry was born in Racine on March 17, 1936 to the late Herman and Hazel (nee: Hannon) Nitz. After graduating from Horlick High School, he went on to begin a lifetime career as a Tool & Die Maker at JI Case Company (CNH). Shortly after, he was called to duty with the United States Air Force. However, as a skilled tradesman, the military discharged him to go back to JI Case where his skills as a tool and die maker were much needed.  Jerry retired from Case (CNH) in 1992 after 38 years of service.

On February 15, 1958 in Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Jerry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Cynthia (nee: Geyer) Nitz. A part of Jerry died with Cyndi when she passed away on March 3, 2019.

Jerry was a longtime member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. With a great passion for sailing, he was a life member and active with Racine Yacht Club. In recent years, nothing made Jerry happier than being together with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. A gentlemen's gentleman, Jerry was always kind, positive and sweet; rarely complained about anything and never raised his voice. The world needs more people in it like Gerald "Jerry" Nitz.

Surviving are his devoted sons, Timothy Nitz, Christopher (Janet) Nitz and Jeffrey (Cinthia) Nitz; dear grandchildren, Joshua Kuhl, Jacob Nitz, Tony Nitz, Jonathon (fiancé, Lexi McCluskey) Nitz and Gregory Nitz; adored great-grandchildren, Malachi, Otto, Clara and Lakely Nitz; brother, Warren Nitz; sister-in-law, Ellen Geyer; brother-in-law, David McGrain; nieces, nephews, other relatives, Yacht Club & sailing family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his twin infant sons, Gregory Jon Nitz and Gerald Roger Nitz, Jr. in 1960; sisters-in-law, Donna Nitz, Sue (Ron) Jones and Karen McGrain; brother-in-law, Gordon Geyer; and by Cynthia's parents, Theodore and Florence (nee: Olsen) Geyer.

Funeral services celebrating Jerry's life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Laura Fladten officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.  Memorials to the "Racine Yacht Club Youth Foundation" have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to everyone at St. Monica's Senior Living and to St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Jerry's time of need. Also, many thanks to our family & friends for the continuous thoughts & prayers and many acts of kindness extended when we needed it most. May God bless all of you!