Gerald “Jer” Gene Gries

Gerald “Jer” Gene Gries of Three Lakes and Tucson Ariz. passed peacefully in his sleep January 14, 2025 at the age of 96. 

Jer was born on August 14, 1928, in Marinette, to William and Margaret Gries.

He was raised in Milwaukee and as a child, Jer and his family would vacation at Laural Lake, beginning his love of the Wisconsin Northwoods. He enlisted in the army and was deployed to the Korean War. Upon returning, he settled in Menomonee Falls and worked at Square D, where he met the love of his life, Del. (Deloris) They were married in 1969. 

Jer & Del became the proud owners of Jer & Del’s Liquor Store in beautiful downtown Three Lakes in the early 1970s. This career move enabled Jer to fulfill his dream of living fulltime in his beloved Northwoods. Jer & Del served their community for over 24 years at Jer & Del’s Liquor Store before retiring. They spent several years “snowbirding” in Texas, then settled on winters in Tucson to be near Del’s son Bob. 

Jer was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler and an amazing taxidermist. 

Jer will be greeted at heaven’s gate by his loving wife of over 50 years, Del, and so many loved ones who went home before him, his parents, his brother Willard “Bill”, his stepsons Robert “Bob” Eichmann and John Eichmann, and countless family and friends. 

Grandpa Jerry will be greatly missed by his daughter-in-law Sandy (John) Eichmann, grandchildren Susan Eichmann, Juliet (Phil) Eichmann-Paradies, Justin (Jeff) Eichmann, Jay (Kelly) Eichmann, Wayde (Kristen) Eichmann and great-grandchildren Holly Taylor, Jacob Taylor, Quinn Taylor, Grace Taylor, Corbin Eichmann and Alene (Nick) Eichmann-Bailey. 

Special thanks to Justin Eichmann who lovingly cared for and assisted both Grandma Deloris and Grandpa Jerry for the last five years. 

Interment will be on May 17, 2025 at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield with full military honors. 

A time of remembrance for Jer and Del with be held May 18, 2025 in Three Lakes. (Details and location to be announced at a later date) 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Three Lakes Fire Auxiliary, PO Box 573, Three Lakes WI 54562.