Gerald J. Cerkas, age 48, of 1700 Jackson Street, Manitowoc, entered eternal life surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the family residence.

Jerry was born on February 10, 1965 in Manitowoc. He was the son of Joseph and Carolyn Long Cerkas. Jerry attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1983. He then entered the United States Marine Corps serving his country for the next four years. After his honorable discharge Jerry became employed with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2005 he returned to Manitowoc with his family and became employed with Manitowoc Tool and Machining. On May 21, 1987 he married Connie Self at Yuma, Arizona. Jerry enjoyed using his computer, watching sporting events, woodworking and reading. He was a proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packer franchise and loved to watch them play football.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years: Connie; two children: Amy (Ben "Bart") Typner, Manitowoc, WI; Jospeh (Debra) Cerkas, stationed at the United States Army base in Germany; his parents: Joseph and Carolyn Cerkas, Manitowoc, WI; three sisters: Laura Koralewsky, Manitowoc, WI; Eileen Cerkas, Manitowoc, WI; Rochelle (Paul) Byers, Holland, MI; close friend of the family: David Vickery, Manitowoc, WI; mother-in-law: Judith Staggs, Yuma, AZ; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

Visitation for relatives and friends was held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Thursday, December 12, 2013. Cremation will take place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.