Gerald Mijal

On Monday, October 12, 2015, Jerry Mijal was reunited with the love of his life of 39 years, "Sherry" (Ketchum) Mijal, almost three years to the day, after her own unexpected death. Wausau's former Assistant Fire Chief passed unexpectedly after a brief illness. Jerry was a father, grandfather, brother, local business owner, Guardsman, community leader, fisherman, hunter, sports fan and beloved friend to many. Jerry was born December 28, 1951 in Wausau, the son of RoseAnn (Falkowski) Mijal of Wausau and the late Joseph (Joe) Mijal. On July 28, 1973, he married Cheryl (Sherry) Ketchum at St. Mark Catholic Church in Rothschild. After graduating from Wausau High School, Jerry started working for Knudson Construction and was soon promoted to foreman because of his friendly, down-to-earth personality and strong work ethic. During these early years Jerry served six years in the Army National Guard while also taking classes at North Central Technical College to advance his skills. But Jerry's true calling was serving the City of Wausau on the Wausau Fire Department. During his time as a Wausau fire fighter he received numerous awards and promotions before retiring as the Assistant Fire Chief after 31 years. During his career with the Fire Department, he had the chance to create a Fire Safety Program for the area school districts and served on the local Hazmat Team. After his "retirement," he co-owned and operated Mijal Tile and Construction with his son, Josh. Most recently, he was employed as a security guard for Securitas at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Jerry was an enthusiastic nature lover and sportsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, canning and cutting wood at his cottage up north. He was very active in the community serving as the President of the Rolling Stone Protection and Rehab Association, President of The Langlade County ATV Club and a certified ATV instructor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, he was an avid Green Bay Packer, NASCAR, and Wisconsin Badger fan. Training his newest hunting beagle, Cookie, was his latest venture. Most of all, Jerry was a dedicated family man and loved spending time with his large extended family, especially his grandson Logan, who affectionately called him "Papa". Survivors include two children, Tammy Mijal and Josh Mijal, both of Appleton; one grandson, Logan; his mother, RoseAnn Mijal; three siblings, Denny (Sue) Mijal, Wausau, Scott (Dawn) Mijal, Wausau and JoAnn (Kim White) Mijal-White, Madison; five brother and sister-in-laws, Merlin (Erlene) Ketchum, Weston, Peggy Henrichs, Wausau, Grant (Deb) Ketchum, Wausau, Myles (Shelley) Ketchum, Mosinee and Laura (Ahmet Ciftci) Ketchum-Ciftci, Plover; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Joe, and by his wife, Sherry. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation and be officiated by Rev. William Grevatch at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. There will be full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Jerry's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Everyone will dearly miss this genuine, gentle giant of a man.