Habitat for Humanity receives donation of four vacant lots

Habitat for Humanity Northwoods has announced it has received a generous donation that will result in housing for those in need.

A party has donated four vacant lots on Acacia Lane to the organization in honor of Jerome “Jerry” Allen White (July 6, 1933 - November 13, 2021). 

According to a press release announcing the donation, White settled in Rhinelander in the ‘60s, and brought with him, an incredible passion and love for both his family and the community.

 “Backed by a degree earned in automotive mechanics from Mankato Area Technical College, time served in the Army as a wheeled mechanic, and a BS in industrial education, sociology and social science from Mankato State University, Jerry taught woodworking and auto mechanics for over 22 years at Nicolet College (formerly the Area School of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education),” the release states. “He was especially proud of the welding program that he helped establish, which is now highly regarded. After retirement, he also continued to work in various capacities including using his skills and expertise for decades at Ace Welding. Even his woodworking skills never lay dormant as he put them to work creating treasures for family and friends.  Jerry had an unwavering commitment to seeing downtown Rhinelander safe and convenient for all. He spent years researching and advocating improvements for snow plowing techniques, which was driven by his own understanding of the challenges Rhinelander’s elderly, handicapped and wobbly citizens faced when trying to access city sidewalks in the winter. Personally, he was well-known for his goofiness and sense of humor, which morphed into all-out family fun with the help of Betty, the love of his life and wife of 57 years. It was important to them to create memorable experiences for their family as it grew: a backyard ice skating rink, a pirate-themed summer holiday, and birdhouses for the family to personalize and decorate. Jerry would be so thrilled to see Habitat for Humanity help build homes on these lots for families in need, and for those families to have the same opportunity to lay down roots and grow in both love and community, as he did.”