Gerald R. Cibulka Sr.

Gerald R. “Jerry” Cibulka Sr., 81, of Shawano, passed away early Wednesday morning, Nov. 18, 2020, at The Pines Nursing Home in Embarrass. Gerald was born Nov. 7, 1939, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Frank and Vivian Cibulka. He attended Milwaukee public schools and graduated from West Division High School in 1957. After high school, Jerry went on to work as a machine operator at Inland Container Company in Milwaukee. On March 15, 1958, Jerry was united in marriage to the former Lonnie Heidrich. The couple made their home on the north side of Milwaukee, where they raised their family. In 2001, Jerry retired from the Mead Paper Company, and he and Lonnie relocated to Shawano. Jerry is a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Shawano. He is a former member of the Eagles Club in Milwaukee where he spent many Saturday mornings playing handball and developing numerous lifelong friends. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited of Wisconsin. Jerry was a lifelong softball player. He played for many years in and around Milwaukee and was a member of the 1970 United States Softball Association World Championship softball team that he was very proud of. After retiring, he continued playing on the over 65 league in Shawano. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. During his retirement years, he shot his biggest deer and caught his largest muskie. He also spent time on the golf course and enjoyed handcrafting his favorite fishing lure. Jerry treasured hunting with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sheepshead player and loved his Tuesday afternoon get-togethers. Recently he was able to check off a bucket list item by attending a taping of his favorite game show, “The Price is Right.” Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lonnie Cibulka, of Shawano; his sons, Timothy Cibulka, of Shawano, Danny (LouAnn) Cibulka, of Gillett, Jerry Cibulka (special friend Lara Lopez), of Pewaukee, and Donald (Sandy) Cibulka, of West Bend; his grandchildren, Brianna (John) Verhagen, Bryce Cibulka, Jeremy Cibulka, MaKayla Cibulka and Trenton Cibulka; his sister-in-law, Judy Cibulka, of Rhinelander; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Cibulka. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a private family funeral service for Jerry will be held. Interment will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Milwaukee. Memorials are preferred to the Parkinson’s Society or the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Jerry’s name. Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.