Jerome (Jerry) Reich, 79, of Onalaska, died suddenly on June 17, 2024. Born to Thelma Reich in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised by his grandparents, William and Ellen Reich.

Growing up in Omaha, Jerry spent many weekends hunting and fishing with his grandpa and their weimaraner. He graduated from Benson High School in 1963. Jerry worked at Baker’s grocery stores throughout his high school and college years to pay for his education. He studied mechanical engineering and graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska.

Jerry married Arlene Liddiard in 1975 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He loved being part of Arlene’s extended family in Northeast Iowa. As a design engineer, Jerry worked on mechanical hydraulic products such as cranes and backhoes for equipment manufacturers in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They moved several times during their marriage and were a good pair for home improvement projects. A problem solver with an eye for design, Jerry found many ways to improve their homes. Arlene and Jerry celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on May 31.

Their daughter, Ellen, was born in 1977. Jerry was proud of his daughter, son-in-law, Tony, and grandchildren, Luke and Selma. He loved hearing about their adventures and accomplishments. He attended football and baseball games, tennis matches, sub-zero ski races, piano recitals and choir performances.

In retirement, Jerry started each day with the Washington Post and a workout at the local YMCA. He enjoyed fishing on the Mississippi River, working in his perennial garden, reading detective novels, listening to political commentary and following Badgers basketball. He also found joy learning painting techniques in art classes and taking goldendoodle Penny on Read to Rover visits at Irving Pertzsch Elementary School.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Reich; his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Ellen, Tony, Luke and Selma Vander Linden; brother-in-law Jim Liddiard; sisters-in-law Mariel Carlisle and Leola Wettstein; niece Carrie (Wettstein) Fisher; nephews Steve, David, Kevin and Brian Carlisle, Matt and Joe Wettstein.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Ellen Reich, his mother and stepfather, Thelma and Richard Chalupsky; and brothers-in-law, Michael Liddiard and Howie Wettstein.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI 54650. A private family burial will be held in Waukon, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to the La Crosse Area Family YMCA or the charity of your choice.

Coulee Region Cremation Group, at The Gathering Place, is assisting the family.