Gerald "Jerry" Roy Fitzgerald

Gerald Roy Fitzgerald, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Born on July 24, 1933, in Manitowoc, Jerry lived a full and meaningful life committed to faith, family, and friendship. He was united in marriage to LaVerne Riesterer on August 19, 1961, at St. Gregory Catholic Church in St. Nazianz. Together, they shared many decades of companionship and love, nurturing an enduring family legacy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, LaVerne L. Fitzgerald; their daughter Tammy Birling of Kaukauna, and their son Derek Fitzgerald and his wife Janine of Manitowoc. Jerry’s legacy extends through his cherished grandchildren: Drew Birling, Kyle Birling and his wife Marissa, Cameron Fitzgerald and his wife Marissa, Miranda Sasse and her husband Josh, and Jasmine Schwerma and her husband Andrew. He also had the joy of knowing his great-grandchildren Hunter and Henry Sasse, McKenna and Macie Fitzgerald, and Brynley, Poppy and Adley Schwerma. Jerry will also be missed by his brothers-in-law Gerald (Cynthia), Eugene (Beverlee), and Joseph (Diane) Riesterer, and sisters-in-law Marge Fitzgerald, Sr. Joann Riesterer, Judy (Ron) Schnell, and Helen Henning. He is further loved by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cecilia Fitzgerald; his brothers Edward, Merle, and William Fitzgerald; his sisters Mary Jane White and Helen Feil; his wife's parents Joseph and Helen Riesterer; his brother-in-law Donald Riesterer; and sister-in-law Theresa Riesterer.

Visitation will be held on May 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 AM. After Mass, all are invited to a luncheon at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St. The Committal service will be held on Friday, May 22, at Knollwood Mausoleum Chapel, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish or Harbor View Assisted Living.

Messages of sympathy may be left for the family by visiting Jerry's obituary page at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.