Raymond Charles Jennerjohn

Raymond Charles Jennerjohn, 95 of Sturgeon Bay, peacefully passed on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Pete and Jelaine Horton Center Skilled Nursing Facility in Sturgeon Bay surrounded with family.

Ray was born March 28, 1929, in Sturgeon Bay, the son of the late Andrew “Elmer” and Dorothy (Delarwelle) Jennerjohn. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1947 and served his country as a MP (Military Police) in the United States Army in the early 1950’s. He married Ellen Zirbel on September 12, 1953.

After returning from service, he worked at Christy Corp. in the early 1950’s as an electrician and pipefitter. He suffered a back injury while working at Christy, but that didn’t stop Ray as he embarked on a 30-year career in logistics for Peninsula Transfer in Sturgeon Bay, relocating homes and businesses throughout the state, Midwest and the United States. He wasn’t done yet as he went to work for Peterson Builders in their maintenance department, delivered auto supplies with NAPA Auto Parts and completed his work history with Cornerstone Conference Center/Baylake Bank at the age of 85. Work was fulfilling for Ray as his priority was honest day’s work, respect for the job and his employers, all of which gave him great pride in his daily work. He was proud to have worked with his sons at many of these jobs including helping at the county fair where he enjoyed harness racing.

Having 12 children was a blessing, and Ray did enjoy some time for himself, motorcycle riding with the Door County Vagabonds, tending to his large gardens, and bird watching. But his greatest love was his big family, his children, and all those grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. He and Ellen strongly supported those children’s families, helping to look after their children as they worked.

Raymond will be missed by his wife of over 71 years, Ellen; children, Steve Jennerjohn, David (Marion) Jennerjohn, Larry (Jane) Jennerjohn, Diane (Walter) Hanisko, Lois (Matt) Goetz, Bob (significant other, Kim Bagnall) Jennerjohn, Ruth (Gregg) Drexler, Paul Jennerjohn, Patti (significant other, Ray Fuller) Jennerjohn, and Mary (Darrin) Bittorf; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Ann Edmonds, Nancy Zirbel, Barb Zirbel, Judy Zirbel, and JoAnn (Dean) Baumann; brother-in-law, Rick (Dianne) Zirbel; many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Jennerjohn; daughter, Susan (George) Sargent; brothers, Donald (Rosemary) Jennerjohn and Anthony Jennerjohn; grandson, Thomas Jennerjohn; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Zirbel, James Zirbel, Robert Zirbel, and Michael Zirbel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Anthony Birdsall officiating and Dcn. Mark Bortle assisting. Military honors will follow at church after Mass. Raymond will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.

Visitation for family and friends will be held after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and will continue until the closing parish wake service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church, Thursday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Memorials may be given in Ray’s memory to DOOR CANcer, INC. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.doorcancer.com/donate) or St. John Bosco Catholic School (730 W. Maple Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.johnboscoschool.org).

The family wishes to warmly thank the staffs from Unity Hospice and the Skilled Nursing Facility for their kindness and care of Ray.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Raymond may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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