Jeffrey “Jeff” Townsend

Jeffrey “Jeff” Townsend, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at his residence in Port Washington on Oct. 10, 2024. He was 76 years old.

Jeff was born in Port Washington on Sept. 17, 1948, the son of Robert and Katie (nee Williams) Townsend.

Jeff grew up in Saukville and then moved to Port Washington in his childhood.  He graduated from Port Washington High School with the Class of 1967.

After high school, Jeff went on to earn an associate’s degree in computer networking.

He worked at Freeman Chemical Corp. as a diesel mechanic for many years. After Freeman Chemical, Jeff worked in maintenance at St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon until his retirement.

On May 16, 1970, Jeff married the love of his life, Phyllis Merrill, at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church in Port Washington. They shared 54 wonderful years together.

Jeff’s love for music and playing his guitar was rivaled only by his affection for his beloved pets; dogs and cats always found a warm spot in his heart.

Jeff and Phyllis shared a deep bond, building numerous models of trucks, airplanes and ships out of balsawood as a hobby.   

He was a gifted mechanic and a jack of all trades. There was almost nothing he could not do.   

Jeff is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, his daughter Rachel (Eric) Curtin, and his two grandchildren, Jennah and Spencer Curtin.

He is further survived by his two sisters, Joan (Richard) Mistele and Judy (Brian) Peiffer; numerous brothers and sisters-in law, Connie (Keith) Schachel, Susanne (Mark) Brunner, Karen Merrill and Susan (the late Dennis) Merrill; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Eric, his siblings Roberta Barber, Dale Townsend, Lee Townsend, Jeanne Pukas, June Kroll, Deborah Hoffman, Lora McInnis and Kaye Miller and brother-in-law Allen Merrill.

In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, private family services will be held.

He will be laid to rest next to his son Eric in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Port Washington.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Townsend family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.