GERALD R. “JERRY” DERUYTER

Gerald R. “Jerry” DeRuyter, 79, of Sheboygan passed away Monday, March 22, 2010, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan due to complications from a stroke.

Jerry was born Feb. 28, 1931 in Sheboygan, son of the late Cornelius and Dorothy (Van Akren) DeRuyter. He attended Sheboygan Central High School.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1949-52.

On June 17, 1983, he married Betty Coates Wisse in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jerry had various occupations. He owned and operated his own drywall business, owned and operated his own restaurant, was employed with Price Club while residing in California, and worked at The American Club in Kohler during his retirement years.

Jerry enjoyed tennis, boating, and working on and inventing his projects.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; one son, Earl DeRuyter of Cedar Grove; one daughter, Ione (Dan) Brill of Oostburg; one daughter-in-law, Jane (John) DeRuyter Donald of Fredonia; one twin brother, Jerome Roy DeRuyter of Jessup, Ga.; four grandchildren, James (Sara) DeRuyter, Christopher DeRuyter, Jason (Heather) DeRuyter and Travis (Sue) DeRuyter; four greatgrandchildren, Joshua, Zachery, Allie and Sawyer; three stepdaughters, Joanne (Norm) DeRuyter of Cedar Grove, Judy (Bruce) Mentink of Oostburg and Joy (Dick) Dempsey of Waubeka; one step daughter-in-law; seven step grandchildren; and 14 step greatgrandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Glenn DeRuyter; one brother and three sisters; one stepson, Jerry Wisse; and one step grandson, Jason Mentink.

At Jerry’s request, private family services will be held.

A memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.wenigfuneralhome.com.

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the DeRuyter family.