Gerald “Jerry” Spencer Roou

Gerald “Jerry” Spencer Roou, age 87, of Rhinelander, died on Sunday, September 29, 2024. He died peacefully at home with family members in close attendance.

He was born on March 20, 1937, in Merrill, the son of Spencer and Margaret (McCarthy) Roou.

He graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1955. After graduation Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for 22 years and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. After retirement he returned home to Rhinelander where he became a member of the town board of Pelican and later town chairman serving for nearly 35 years. He stepped down from that position in 2023 at the age of 86. During that time, he also worked as a school bus driver for Schillemans Bus Service.

Jerry took full advantage of his time in the Air Force where he actively requested assignments in several countries around the world. He spent his first years in Southeast Asia, where he served in Okinawa and the Philippines. This was followed by assignments to Japan, Turkey, and Greece, with several assignments in the states of Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin and Illinois. During his time in the service, he also was an accomplished racer of sports cars and go-carts. He also enjoyed boating. He was a very good marine mechanic and if the base had a marina, he could usually be found there in his off-duty hours where he volunteered to repair and maintain the boats there. He also traveled the countries he was stationed at extensively.

Jerry is survived by his son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Diana (Mikkelson) Roou, daughter, Ritha (Kelly) Littell, sister, Mary Hastreiter, grandchildren, Stephanie Roou, Brianna (Coty) Hazelett and Nicolas Strelow; step-grandchildren, Aaron Mangerson, and Cristina (Brad) Kallio. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren, and a special friend, Donna Kohlbeck.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Margaret Roou, two sisters, Jean (Earl) Korth, and Nancy (Harold) Bergman, his first wife, Marie Hilda (Nemluvil) Roou, his second wife, Shirley (Vandervest, Stefan) Roou, his daughter, Kelly Strelow, brother-in-law, Dennis Hastreiter.

The visitation for Jerry will be held at the Hildebrand Funeral Home on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate.

Immediately following the service there will be a procession to Northland Memorial Park for the committal service and where military honors will be conducted by the Northwoods Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Air Force.

He will be buried next to the love of his life, Shirley Roou.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com