Gerald "Jerry" Degner

Gerald “Jerry” Degner, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 13, 1941, to the late Edwin and Elsie (Kunert) Degner in Merrill. Jerry attended Merrill High School and went on to bravely serve his country in the United States Navy, until his honorable discharge. He met the love of his life, Sharon Krahn, and the two were united in marriage on April 9, 1998, in beautiful Hawaii. They shared a wonderful and exciting life together until she passed away on June 25, 2022.

After completing an apprenticeship for carpentry, Jerry worked in the construction business for many years, helping to build houses, cabinets, and much more and also did some work in maintenance. Jerry and Sharon looked forward to traveling every year to Arizona. He also took a trip to Hawaii with his granddaughter, Nikki. Jerry enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. He was a sports fan, specifically a football and baseball fan. He was an avid Brewer and Packer fan, but enjoyed watching all of them! Jerry was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, and loved spending time with his cat, “Liz”. His family looked forward to his delicious jerky that he would make, as well as his chili and spaghetti sauce, often making them from his home-grown tomatoes. Jerry would make numerous other treats and meals for friends and family. He was a gardener, and had the greenest thumb when it came to his huge, gorgeous flowers! Jerry is remembered as a loving and caring man. Jerry was the best storyteller, it was never quiet, and you could never get a word in when you were around him! He was a generous person and an all-around good man. Jerry will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jerry is survived by his daughter: Penny (Rick) Ullenbrauck, son: Dee (April) Degner, step-son: Tim Hintze, granddaughters: Nikki (Pete Sanders) Schultz, aka “his best friend!”, Shantelle (Alex) Megariz, Shaynah (Joe) Beltran, Shayla (fiancé Harold) Richardson and Alissa Zajackowski, grandsons: Zach (Chelsey) Degner and Shannon Hintze, great grandchildren: Elaina, Dylan, Hailey, Zoey, Easton, Lincoln and Emersyn, and sister: Judy (Buck) Zimmerman. He is further survived by his fur-baby, “Liz” the cat. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife: Sharon Degner, sisters: Audrey, Mert and Maggie and brothers: Grunty, Ole and Chubby.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank all of Jerry’s good friends at Blue Willow and Friendship House, for their love and comradery they have shown to Jerry over the years.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.