Jerry H. DeGrave

Jerry Henry DeGrave, 81, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI on May 19, 1943, to the late Orville DeGrave and Mary DeVillers. He married his wife Patricia Deprey on July 8, 1981, in Bridge City, TX.

Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960 to 1964. After his military service, he channeled his creativity into a successful career as a painter in the construction industry, where his skilled hands transformed spaces and brought color to many homes.

Beyond his profession, he enjoyed woodworking and painting in his leisure time, or spending tranquil hours fishing. Jerry had a remarkable knack for making people laugh. He fondly remembered his fun racing adventures in the 1960s with his brother, Dick.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia DeGrave; children, Samantha (Chris) Konitzer – Algoma, Lucy (Jim Jandrin) Klessig – Algoma, Hugo (Marsha) Klessig - Green Bay, Chad Klessig - Fond du Lac; 25 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville DeGrave and Mary DeVillers; brothers, Richard DeGrave, Arnie Tassoul, John (Rita) DeGrave; sisters, Ciel Tassoul, Janet DeGrave; daughter-in-law, Michele Klessig.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church by-the-lake, 806 Fourth St., Algoma, WI 54201, funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Robert D. Hoppe officiating. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.