John Edward “Jack” Kertzman, 86, passed quietly in his sleep Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the Elizabeth Residence in Franklin, Wisconsin. Jack, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease nearly 15 years ago, never lost his kind, gentle demeanor, and until the very end showed love and devotion to his wife, Cathy (Stiever) Kertzman, to whom he’d been married for 64 years. Jack’s smile only faded upon his passing.

Jack is survived by his wife, Cathy, and children Peter (Rhonda), Chris (Lori), Patricia, Timothy (Cindy) and Joseph (Tricia) Kertzman, and grandchildren, Gwendolyn (Jim) Flowers, Felicia (Scot) Kertzman, Michael (Caroline) Phoenix, Andrew Kertzman, Jon “Jack” Kertzman, Maya Schaefer, Matthew Kertzman, Daniel Kertzman, Kathleen Kertzman and Cora Kertzman, and six of the cutest great-grandchildren on the planet. Jack’s spirit lives on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he showed so much pride in and loved with all his heart. Jack would often say, “Cathy, look how cute that one is.”

Born on November 11, 1929, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Eddie and Rosie (Jung) Kertzman, he joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from Cotter High School in 1947. Jack attended Marquette University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English before wedding Cathy in 1952. He held sales and sales managerial jobs with the Milwaukee Spring Co. and Dumore Power Tool Co., among others, and along with his brother, Mike, became co-owner and operator of Kertzman Refrigeration in Winona upon his father’s death. Jack also enjoyed working for Reiman Publications on a part-time basis after his retirement.

More importantly, Jack’s generous heart led him to volunteering at Literacy Services of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he taught reading to those in need and came home with heartwarming stories of each of his students. He also volunteered at the Guest House of Milwaukee and would often annoy his children by telling them all he wanted for Christmas was for them to visit and donate to the House of Peace on West Walnut St., Milwaukee. When living in Winona, Jack and Cathy sponsored a Vietnamese family escaping their war-torn country, and assisted them in moving and finding housing and work. Jack also marched for Civil Rights with Father Groppi in Milwaukee. In a world where kindness seems to be at a minimum, he was a kind and gentle soul who didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone.

A one-time member of the Lions Club, Jack was a lifelong Catholic and member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greendale. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Rosie, and his brother, Mike.

Jack’s family would like to thank Dr. Carol Potts and the staff of the Elizabeth Residence for the excellent care that was given to Jack over the last four years of his life, and VITAS Hospice for their loving care the final two weeks.

A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, the House of Peace or St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

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