Gerald “Jerry” Norman LaPitz, age 97, of Roberts, WI, formerly of Menahga, MN, passed away on May 6, 2024, at his home in Roberts, WI. Gerald was born on August 28, 1926 to parent’s John and Margaret (Hansen) LaPitz in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jerry attended South High School in Minneapolis, MN, and joined the United States Navy when he was 17. After his service he returned home and became a commercial pilot for SuperValu, he later became a manufacturer’s representative for WD-40.

Jerry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Almira (Tolzman) on May 7, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, Minnesota.  Together they were blessed with four children.

Jerry deeply loved his family and caring for his community.  He was a social butterfly and one of the kindest men you could have met.  He was an active member of his church, First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN, the VFW and Lions Club.  He enjoyed flying and being a proud patriot, he was honored to have served his country.  Jerry also enjoyed being a bailiff.  He was a sports fan often watching baseball and football.

The great outdoors was a peaceful place for Jerry.  He would often be found hunting and fishing. He had a nightly ritual of driving around “the patch” with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to look for deer on his property up north.

Jerry is survived by his daughters Louise (Martin) Rutz-LaPitz of Switzerland, Cheryl LaPitz of Roberts, WI, Dianne Enerson of Hudson, WI; grandchildren Sarah (Eric), Shelly (Josh), Erik, Alex (Josh), Chad (Mary), Sheila, and Keli (Matt); great-grandchildren Jocelyn, Wyatt, Taylor, Lily, Blake, Mazie, Parker, Paige, Jamie, Lucas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Almira, son Gerald Jr. “Skip” LaPitz; parents John and Margaret LaPitz; siblings Donald LaPitz, John LaPitz, Robert LaPitz, Thomas LaPitz, Willard LaPitz, James LaPitz, Margaret Duntley, and Rosemary Kolesar; son-in-law Gaylen Enerson; great-granddaughter Ashley.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, May 13, 2024 from 10:00am-11:00am at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 502 S. 11^th Street Hudson, WI 54016.  Service will start at 11:00am.  Interment will take place at Glen Haven Memorial Garden in Crystal, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please support Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.