Gerald "Jerry" Whitbeck, 71, Florence, WI. formerly of De Pere passed away on Tuesday April 20, 2010 surrounded by family at his son's home in De Pere. Gerald was born on December 9, 1938 in Green Bay to Eunice Whitbeck and the late Richard Whitbeck. He was a 1957 graduate of Nicolet High School. Jerry was a member of the Army National Guard attached to the Wisconsin 32nd Division from 1958 1965, earning the rank of Staff Sgt. He worked 28-years at Nicolet Paper Co. After 1987, he worked for Mid-Tech in Kimberly and ultimately retired from Niagara Paper Co. Niagara, WI. Born two hours, ten minutes, and two blocks apart, it wasn't until February 12, 1951 that Jerry met his grade school sweetheart, Judith Van Gemert. They wed at St. Boniface Church in De Pere, October 15, 1960. As a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, Abbot Pennings Council 3955 and Fourth Degree St. Jude Assembly 1724, he had a deep appreciation for his country. He often loaded up the family and the camper and took off to explore the United States and Canada. He loved spending time with his family, being outdoors and on the water. His biggest and best fish story is now hanging over his son's mantle, a 47-inch, 27-pound muskie. It was their final fishing trip last fall. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his children, Mary Kay Milquet, De Pere, and her children; Elizabeth Jacobs and Benjamin Milquet; Kathleen (Mark) Buechel, and their children Sarah, Ryan and Samuel, Hudson, WI; Robert (Jennifer Greunke) Whitbeck, De Pere; Barbara (Ray) Rennert, and their children Mackenzie, Andrea, Alexandra, Emily and Chase of Pooler, GA; his mother, Eunice and brother, David; and two greatgrandchildren Michael Jacobs and Connor Milquet. He was preceded in death by his in-laws; Clement and Arleen Van Gemert. Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street from 4 8pm Thursday (TODAY). The St. Jude Assembly will stand honor Guard after 4pm. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will be held at 7pm. Visitation will continue after 9:30am Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive, De Pere until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am with Fr. Peter Renard O.Praem officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.