Jerry R. Johanknecht's Obituary
Jerry Raymond Johanknecht
Age 94, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah. He was born on February 27, 1931 the son of the late Raymond and Alma (Grunwald) Johanknecht. He was united in marriage to Donna Jenkins on September 10, 1962 and they were married for 47 years.
Jerry worked as a carpenter building many houses in Waupaca (including his own) and even helped build the Hut restaurant. Later, and for the majority of his life he worked for Waupaca Motor Sales. He also was a proud member of the Waupaca Volunteer Fire department. Jerry was known by half the town and related to the other half! He could strike up a conversation with anyone and was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family, watching the geese in his backyard, hunting with his brother Jimmy, fishing for blue gill, and going to the casino.
Jerry will be greatly missed by his children: Julie (Bob) Wasrud and her children; Jeremy, Tiffani, Brittanie, and Jayme, Joni (Jeff) Van Zummeren and their children; Jillian and Jonathan, Ronda (Mike) Glass and their children; Haley and Cole, and Renee (Steve) Brueggeman and their children; Briana, Alexa, and Elayna. Jerry is further survived by 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and nieces, and nephews; Monte Johanknecht, Tami Neitzel, and Scott Johanknecht. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Alma Johanknecht, his wife Donna Johanknecht, his brother Jimmy Johanknecht, and two grandsons, Tristan Glass and Bret Brueggeman.
The Funeral Service will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupaca at 12:00 (Noon) on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, with Reverend Ben Kempfert, officiating. Burial will be held at Lakeside Memorial Park in Waupaca at a later date. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church. Jerry's family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at ThedaCare Hospice and Hospital for all of their kind and compassionate care.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?