Jerome P. Semo (Jerry) of Dousman passed away May 3rd, 2020 at the age of 81.
Jerry is survived by his partner Brian Lange; his children with Mary Jensen, Dianne (Robert) Gnatzig, Stephen (Linda) Semo, Christine (Michael) Zielinski, Timothy (Patricia) Semo, and Edward (Jeanne) Semo; and his 13 grandchildren, Kristin (David) Bast, Robert (Nikki) Gnatzig, Leandra Eisenach, Lindsay Eisenach, Lydia Semo, Morgan (Tyler) Trokan, Miranda Zielinski, Mackenzie Zielinski, Nathan Mundt, Abigail (Michael) Petersen, Neva Semo, Emma Semo, and Daniel Semo.
He is further survived by his aunts, Marge Heald, Betty Semo, Helen Lawver, and Mary Lou Semo, more cousins than Carter’s got pills, friends, and his beloved cats. He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Veronica (née Kowalkowski), and daughter-in-law Susanne Semo.
Jerry was born in Milwaukee on December 20, 1938. He attended school at St. Rita’s Parish in West Allis until moving to Lannon in 1950. He then attended school at St. Mary’s in Menomonee Falls through his sophomore year, before transferring to Menomonee Falls High School where he graduated in 1956. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army National Guard, serving his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and his active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
When his children were younger, Jerry enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, swimming, helping at the BMX track, and even disco dancing. He was employed by the Del Chemical Corporation, until he opened the Peppermill Disco. He also served as President of the Menomonee Falls Jaycees during their formative years where he was instrumental in raising funds to build God’s Corner Chapel at The Ranch in Menomonee Falls.
Over 30 years ago, Jerry made a commitment to his family to stop drinking and became a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous. His sobriety lasted the rest of his life.
Jerry will be remembered as someone who had a story for everything and who could hold a conversation with anyone. His love of music and musical theater was unmatched, and that love was passed on to his children. He also loved movies, the latest electronic gadgets, science fiction, amusement parks, especially roller coasters, freelancing as a DJ, and taking care of his house plants including several which were his mother’s.
The family extends our deepest gratitude to the staff at Vintage on the Ponds in Delavan and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care our Dad received in his final days.
No services are planned at this time. The family requests memorials to his longtime partner and caregiver Brian Lange, P.O. Box 111 Sussex WI 53089.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
To leave an online condolence, please fill out your message in the box below. You will then be taken to another screen which you can leave your name and email (No website URL needed). Simply comment as a guest and your condolence will be posted.
