Jerome Michael Ceplina, age 76, of Merrill, WI passed away in the early evening of June 1, 2021 surrounded by family. After a short battle with cancer, Jerry spent his remaining days in the comfort of his home, with his wife Diane, and his trusted best friend, their Jack Russell Terrier, Rusty. Born in Chicago, IL on August 28, 1944, Jerry had the unique childhood experience of living in a large city and then moving north to Wisconsin to start a family farm. Eventually settling in Stevens Point, WI, Jerry took quickly to the outdoor life. Whether spending time hunting and fishing with his beloved uncles or camping under the stars, Jerry truly lived to connect with nature. His spirit for adventure carried him to his first career as a Journyman Iron Worker throughout all of Wisconsin. Often as he would drive throughout the state, he would point out buildings he helped to develop with pride. In 1982, Jerry lost a leg in an iron working accident which would change the course of his life. Soon, Jerry met his wife, Diane I. Faufau of Tomahawk, WI and the two began a whirlwind courtship, marrying on August 10, 1984. During their 36-year marriage, Jerry and Diane blended two families raising two daughters, Trina and Jerrie, and one son Todd. After healing, Jerry went back to school and started his second career as a drafting engineer for Merrill Manufacturing where he worked until he retired in 1999. But he never lost his passion for working with his hands. Jerry had a natural talent for woodworking and picked up several carpentry skills through his trades, which would later evolve from completing honey-do tasks to exceptional hand carvings waterfowl and fish. Jerry was a larger-than-life man with a talent for storytelling, His sincerity, joyous spirit, and kind heart would often shine through his hard exterior as he shared stories of his family and friends, of growing up on the farm, or even sharing what he was passionate about. Like any human, Jerry was a complex person, but at the root of everything he was a fierce protector and loved his family deeply.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Diane; his two daughters Trina Tomasini (Dan Tomasini) and Jerrie Weinschenk-Ceplina (Maisie Weinschenk-Ceplina); his son Todd Ceplina (Annie Ceplina), his brother, Dennis Ceplina (Chris Ceplina) and his grandchildren including Samantha, Colton, Emma, Tad, Austin, Jazmyn, and Daniel; and great-granddaughter Scarlet.
True to his nature, Jerry requested that in place of a funeral, his family hold a celebration of life. Please join the Ceplina family at Les & Jim’s from 12 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021 to share stories in his memory.