Jerry Lee Gilbert

Jerry Lee Gilbert passed away on September 4, 2026, in Racine, Wisconsin, at the age of 87. Jerry was born on July 13,1939, in Brookfield, Illinois, to Albert Emery Gilbert and Helen Ann (Callahan) Gilbert. He graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, and then graduated from the Marquette University School of Business in 1960, where he was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Business Fraternity.

Jerry spent his entire professional career with AT&T, where he was an early professional in the emerging field of information technology. He built his career during a time of tremendous change in technology, working in a field that would ultimately transform the way businesses operated and communicated.

Later in life, Jerry found love again with Patricia Shaffer. They married on April 25, 1992, and shared more than 34 years of marriage together. Jerry and Pat also loved to travel. Some of their favorite destinations and adventures included Ireland, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and Siesta Key, Florida.

Outside of work, Jerry had many interests and especially valued the activities that brought him together with family, friends, and his community. For many years, he enjoyed coaching youth football, basketball and baseball where he shared his time and enthusiasm with sons and other young athletes.

Staying active was also important to Jerry throughout his life. He developed many interesting hobbies. An avid fisherman, Jerry spent many memorable days casting a fishing line or boating on Eagle Lake, Wisconsin and at the yearly fly-in fishing trips to Canada with his sons and grandsons. At home, he was a dedicated model train hobbyist and built an impressive layout in his basement. He also enjoyed running every day and working out at the gym. He looked forward each Fall to attending the Packers games and cheering on his favorite team.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Gilbert, his sons, Jim (Pat) Gilbert, Dan (Kay) Gilbert, and Tim (Nicole) Gilbert, and his stepson, Scott (Heather) Shaffer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nate (Lindsey) Gilbert, Kelly (Paige) Gilbert, Kyle (Haley) Gilbert, Colin (Clare) Gilbert, Grace Gilbert, Cora Gilbert, and Ginger Gilbert; and his great-grandson, Owen Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen Gilbert, and his sister, Ginny Herkert.

Jerry will be remembered for a life filled with loving family, hard work, cherished hobbies, travel, Packers games and the simple pleasures of enjoying the outdoors.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Jerry's life will be held at 11:30am, Friday October 16, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet for a visitation, on Friday at 10:30 am until the time of Mass at the church. Private interment will be held at St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Rita’s Church or St. Monica’s Memory Care.

Pat and the family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. Monica's and the St. Croix Hospice team for the compassionate care, kindness and support they provided to Jerry and his family.

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