Gerald W. 'Jerry' Rouse

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Gerald W. "Jerry" Rouse, 70, of Ironwood, passed away on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Aspirus Hospital, in Wausau, Wisconsin, with his cherished wife and children by his side.

Gerald was born on Jan. 3, 1953, in Ironwood, a son of Irving and Lempi M. (Kinnunen) Rouse. He attended Luther L. Wright High School and graduated in 1972.

On Oct. 16, 1981, Gerald was united in marriage to Janice C. Peterson in Ironwood.

Jerry was a car enthusiast, especially muscle cars. In his free time, he had fun going to car shows and races and enjoyed loud and fast cars and doing frequent burnouts himself.

He was a lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Jerry's love for his family was unmatched, and he was extremely proud of his grandchildren.

Throughout the years, Gerald worked various jobs. He concluded his working career as the owner and operator of Superior Seal Coating, where he took great pride in his work.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; a son, Brett, Franklin, Wisconsin; a daughter, Holly (Marc) Pangrazzi, Wakefield; three dear grandchildren, Janea Sampson, and Brock and Eli Pangrazzi; two brothers, Jack and Robert; six sisters, Mary Saari, Nancy (Rich) Rintala, Betty Baldovin, Shirley (Steve) McDonald, Susan (Mark) Lauren and Sharon (Mitch) Fleig; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Valerie Peterson; two brothers-in-law, Larry Baldovin and Byron "Buzza" Saari; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Danny Sprecksel.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 326 W. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Alan Estola and Jerry's cousin, the Rev. Tom Rouse, officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the funeral.

A committal service and interment will take place at 1:30 p.m., at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.