Gerald Traversa

As of July 6, 2015, Jerry “Papa”, 67, is no longer in pain. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife and family by his side. He was born in Chicago on January 16, 1948, to the late Thomas and Marie (Hanrahan) Traversa. He attended school in North Lake, IL before joining the Army where he was a supply sergeant for two tours in Vietnam from 1967-1970. He met his soul mate, Jan, in the summer of 1970 and have been together ever since. They resided in Bolingbrook, IL before moving to Wisconsin in 1984. He always considered Wisconsin his home.
Nothing made Jerry happier than being with his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to Packer season and watching the games with his family. He listened to and enjoyed his collection of over 2000 8-track tapes! Fishing with his kids and grandkids was his favorite pastime but he said he never did enough of it with his best friend, Jody Crocker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mike and sister, Mary, his in-laws, Russell and Ethel (Humbert) Rowe, and his brother-in-law Robert Rowe.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jan (Rowe), and daughters Jennifer (Todd Racine), Ishpeming, MI, Tina Wardlow (Scott Petermann), Pulaski, WI and Joanne, Green Bay, WI. Grandchildren, Kelsey and her father, Dan Erath, Emily and Riley Wardlow, Robby and Abby Racine.

He is further survived by siblings, Lucy (George Harris), FL, Patricia (Roger Garbers) IN, Thomas, IN, William (Debbie) IL, James, IL, Betty (Don Kelly), IL. his brother-in- laws, Russell (Shirley), AK, Richard (Gail) ID, Randall (Judy) IL. John Willette, IL. Sisters-in-law, Janet Traversa IL, Clara Traversa IL, and Colette Tyler Smart, IL. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Per his request, there will not be a traditional funeral. Please join us for a “Celebration of Jerry’s Life” on Saturday July 11, 2015 at the VFW Hall, 135 N. St. Augustine St., Pulaski, WI from 1:00 PM - ??. Please bring your stories and laughter. There will be a 21 gun salute to honor his service in the military.

The family would like to thank his nurse, Eric, Chaplain Karen Anne and Jennifer from Heartland Hospice and Dr. Genevieve Fortin at the VA Clinic in Green Bay for their tender loving care and compassion.