Jerome "Jerry" K. Sjostrom

Jerome K. Sjostrom passed away on 17 June 2024 at his home in Athens, WI.  He was born 29 August 1936 in Ashland, WI to Elof and Odeal (Jerome) Sjostrom.  He grew up on a small farm in Seeley, WI.

In his early years, he attended a one room school in Seeley before graduating from Hayward High School in 1954.  During his last year of high school, he joined the 32nd Division of the National Guard, 724 Engineers.  He worked as a carpenter with his dad and uncles until he entered The University of Wisconsin – Superior where he eventually graduated with a teaching degree in 1960.  He met his wife, Marilyn, while in college and married her on 27 December 1960.  He was hired as a High School Social Studies teacher at Athens High School in 1961 where he taught geography, civics, and driver’s education.  He also served the audio-visual needs of the school as well as photography, time keeper for sporting events, baseball umpire, and substitute bus driver.  He retired in 1993 after 32 years with the school.  After retiring and not one to sit still, he taught driver’s education at Edgar High School for another 17 years.

He believed in community and volunteerism.  Jerry devoted himself to the needs of Athens where he joined the Athens Fire Department and aided in developing the EMT program, eventually becoming one himself.  He advocated Fire Safety to schools, became a Cub Scout leader, initiated the Athens Blood Bank in 1970, and was a board member for the Athens Development Corporation.  Shortly after moving to Athens, he found out what the Athens Fair was all about and immediately volunteered.  For nearly 60 years his roles included Fair Board member, Treasurer, chairman of the Athens Fair Queen contest, and setup & shutdown duties.  He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church; from singing in the choir, usher and greeter duties, and serving as trustee.  Over the years, he also served as president of the PTL, Sons of Norway, and Athens Education Association.

Fulfilling his love of history, he, with his wife Marilyn, were instrumental in writing the “100 Year History of Athens”, “100 Year History of Trinity Lutheran Church”, and contributed to documenting the history of the Abbotsford and Northeastern Railroad.  In later years, he created a slide show encompassing the history of Athens which he graciously showed to 4th grade students every year.  He was also working on an “Athens Fair History” as well as a photo history of Athens “Then and Now”.   Once he was asked what his hobby was and he replied with a smile, “Athens!”.

He was preceded in death by his soulmate and beloved wife Marilyn in 2013.  Survivors include three sons:  Keith (Mary Ann Moore), Des Moines, IA; Kevin (Mike Cardinal), St. Paul, MN; and Peter (Tammie), Seeley, WI and two grandsons, Aaron (Mikhaila) Sjostrom and Jacob Sjostrom, Bozeman, MT.  He also considered Caleb and Cambrea Sarasin, children of Dale and Melissa Sarasin, Athens, his bonus grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, followed by a get-together at Landmark Bar. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Monday, June 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., then burial at Athens Lutheran Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com