Gerald Abitz

On Saturday March 29, 2025, Gerald Abitz, loving husband and father of two, passed away to his Heavenly Father at the age of 95. Gerald was born the youngest of eight children on the Abitz farm on Spencer Street in Appleton, WI. He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West. Gerald obtained a teaching license and a master's degree from UW-Madison. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Washington DC. On November 23, 1956, he married Althea E. Korth at Mount of Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton. Together they raised two children, Mark and Anne.

Gerald loved his home in Dyckesville with the view of Green Bay. He loved the wonderful sunsets over the lake, his flower garden, puzzles of all kinds, and crazy socks.

Gerald had a passion for educating young people. For two years, Gerald taught Agriculture at Luxemburg High School followed by 35 years of teaching elementary grades 5 & 6 at Jackson and Wequiock Elementary Schools for the Green Bay Public Schools.

Gerald was also President of Cerebral Palsy Association in Green Bay. He served on the Luxemburg-Casco School Board for 19 years. He was very proud of the School District that consolidated Casco and Luxemburg High Schools and the surrounding Elementary Schools.

Gerald was devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years at St. Johns Luxemburg. In retirement, Gerald was on the board of the Kewaunee County Historical Society as President, editor of their newsletter, and wrote articles about local cemeteries, churches, and schools. Gerald and Althea loved to travel. They visited 48 states, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Mexico. Gerald enjoyed reading, going to shows, gardening, and writing his memoirs.

Gerald is survived by son Mark Abitz and Debi Smith-Abitz, La Crosse; daughter Anne and Tim Farebrother, New Berlin; granddaughters Emily Farebrother, Katelyn Farebrother, Catherine Abitz and Elizabeth Abitz; and brother-in-law Aldon Korth, Stockbridge. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gerald is preceded in death by his father Herman Abitz, mother Anna Braun, Sister Esther and Clarence Bolt, Sister Lucille and Harry Bus, Sister Leona and Joseph Bundy, Brother Willbert and Lorraine Abitz, Brother Norman and Bernice (Brill) Abitz, brother Roland and Norma Abitz and brother Lester and Ila Abitz.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 am Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 700 Heritage Road, Luxemburg. The Funeral Service will begin 11:00 am with Rev. Carl Brewer officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Luxemburg, with full military rites at graveside provided by the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262 of Luxemburg. McMahon Funeral Home of Luxemburg, is assisting the Abitz Family. www.mcmahonfh.com

The family would like to thank ProHealth Hospice and The Regency of Brookfield for care and compassion.