Gerald John Schraa's Obituary
On Sunday April 11, 2021 – Heaven gained an amazing soul. Gerald John Schraa, 86 passed away unexpectedly. Born March 4th, 1935 in Oshkosh to the late Clement and Beatrice (Kilbey) Schraa. Jerry attended St Vincent Church and School K through 8th grade. Graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1953. He was a star running back for the city of Oshkosh, earning a scholarship, and was selected and played for Colorado A & M and St Norbert College in Green Bay. He went on to enlist in the Army where he continued to play football overseas while he served Our Country.
After Jerry’s Service in the Army he return to Oshkosh where he met the Love of his life, Correen Christowski. They were married on February 28th 1959. Living in Oshkosh all of his life he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 37 years. He was much loved by his fellow workers and many of the people on his routes.
Jerry’s passion for football continued with the Green Bay Packers and was one of the extreme brave souls to attend the Legendary NFL Championship dubbed the Ice Bowl on January 31, 1967 with his Ticket Stub to prove it! He was a huge Wisconsin Badger Fan and attended many games with family and friends. Another passion of Jerry’s was hunting which started when he was much younger, where he learned and enjoyed hunting from his Father along with all of his brothers. Hunting was a life-long passion which he enjoyed until recently with his son, grandsons, and friends. Jerry loved being active and trying new things; Golf and Bowling to name a few, and he always made it his business to practice until he was good at it. He was on numerous leagues throughout his lifetime throughout Oshkosh along with his wife Correen. They enjoyed many trips all over Wisconsin and neighboring states to play golf with all the friends they made throughout the years. They enjoyed wintering in Texas and Arizona, and long road trips to see family and friends. Another love of Jerry’s was dogs! He loved them all no matter the size, loved long walks with many 4-legged family pets, and the neighbor’s dogs as well.
Jerry is Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Correen M Schraa of Oshkosh, four children, Kathryn (Bruce) Berndt of Madison, Brian Schraa of Oshkosh and three daughters, Jennifer Dutko of Oshkosh, and Brenda (Art) Youngwirth; sister Jeanne McCabe of Oshkosh.
Further by twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Kathy’s children: Jordon (Kyle) Olson – children Eli and Landon, Logon (Kenzie) Berndt. Brian’s children: Max Kremers, Cody Schraa, Caleb Schraa - fiancé Brittnay. Jennifer’s children: Joshua Dutko and Jill Wojciechowski, Jeramy Dutko, Cassie (Philip) Devine – children Sylvester and Lucy, Gabrielle (Zachary) Zwirchitz, Caleb (Olivia) Dutko. Brenda’s children: Zach Bennett – children Damon Jake Youngwirth – children Grace, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; Anthony, Clement, Thomas, and James, brother-in-law Milo McCabe, nephew Timothy McCabe, sister-in-law Joan Schraa (niece Terri Schraa), son-in law Scott Dutko, grandson Luke.
A Memorial Service for Jerry will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 1 pm in the Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Dr., Oshkosh WI 54904. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 12pm until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oshkosh AreaHumane Society in Jerry’s Name
Jerry was a loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. Always there to listen, encourage, cheerlead, and play a joke! Always someone to teach, tell a story with a twinkle in his eye. We will miss you terribly but know that one day we will be together again!
Forever Love you Jerry/ Dad!
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