Gerald ‘Jerry’ Wilde

Gerald E. “Jerry” Wilde, age 84, of East Whitefish Road, Port Washington, Wis., passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at Harbor Campus.

He was born on Nov. 6, 1936, in Port Washington to Raymond and Esther Robel Wilde.

A lifelong resident of Port Washington, Jerry was a busboy at the former Smith Bros. Restaurant.  

He will be remembered as the crossing guard for the City of Port Washington at the top of St. Mary’s Hill on North Wisconsin Street for over 30 years. He made many friends throughout those years.

He also emptied the many parking meters of their change for the city throughout the downtown area.

With his parents, Jerry had been a member of Friedens Church. He sang in the choir for many years.

Jerry worked for over 22 years at Mercury Marine (formerly Kiekaefer Manufacturing) in Cedarburg.

An avid patron of the former Harry’s Restaurant, Jerry enjoyed the company of friends at McDonalds and Pizza Hut.  

He had been a member of the Port Washington Senior Center, its Green Felt Club and horseshoe league and enjoyed many bus trips.

Jerry enjoyed nature and being outside.  He spent many vacations in northern Wisconsin with his family. He took long walks throughout Port Washington, often participating in the city’s activities and meeting new people.  

Jerry proudly supported and cheered on his beloved Packers and Badgers. He enjoyed most other sports too.

Survivors include his stepbrother David and his wife Diane Peiffer, stepsister-in-law Carol Peiffer, both of Port Washington, other relatives and friends.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Clarence Peiffer and his stepbrother Don Peiffer.

Family services were held with Pastor Brandon Lemons of Friedens Church officiating.  

Gerald will be laid to rest next to his parents at Union Cemetery in Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Friends of the Port Washington Senior Center, 430 W. Foster St., Port Washington, WI 53074 are appreciated.

Gerald’s family would like to thank the staff of the Harbor Campus and Heartland Hospice Care for the kindness and compassion shown to Gerald during this time.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.

Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.