Jerry Crossman

Jerry Crossman, age 62, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning December 21, 2020. Jerry was born on June 23, 1958 in the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, of the late John Crossman and lone Wellman Crossman.

Jerry was a proud graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy, in Fond du Lac, WI, Class of 1976.

On October 5, 1985, he married Mary Steffen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. They were married 30 years, and had 2 beautiful daughters together, Lexi and Abbey.

Jerry retired from Thrivent (formerly AAL) in 2018 after 35 years. He also enjoyed his part-time work as a bartender at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown and The Appleton Yacht Club.

Jerry was an avid volunteer through Thrivent and throughout the Fox Valley. While he was employed with Thrivent, Jerry was many times referred to as “Mr. Volunteer”. Some of his causes included The American Cancer Society Sole Burner Run, Fox Cities Marathon, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and many more too numerous to mention. However, Jerry’s true passion was youth soccer. He coached teams throughout the Fox Valley. Teams from Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and all throughout Neenah and Appleton. Jerry dedicated more than 30 years of his life to Youth Soccer and to the kids. He coached boys and girls alike and of all ages. But where his passion truly took hold was when he proudly had the opportunity to coach his own two daughters in soccer from the age of four to high school. He then became a supportive soccer dad and volleyball dad, taking on a new role as a proud spectator when both girls entered the world of high school sports.

Jerry truly loved his family and friends. He enjoyed sharing memories of the good old days, whether that was his own carefree days of himself playing soccer, his hunting escapades, or just reminiscing about “The Moon and Klotz’s Bar” days with his close buddies. He was a fun-loving guy who loved to have a good time.  He loved to play pranks and would always have a joke ready.  Everyone that knew him, knew they would constantly be laughing whenever they were with him. He will definitely be missed deeply by all those who loved him.

Jerry is survived by his two daughters: Lexi (Brandon) Briones and Abbey (Brody) Hurtis. His Brother John (Lana) Crossman, his sisters: Joan (Randy) Bader and Rose Ann (Wayne) Morris, and former wife Mary Crossman. Jerry is further survived by his Aunt Eva Wellman, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and cousins and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving mother lone Sook, his father John Crossman, his step father Sylvester Sook Sr., his step brothers, Sylvester (Duff) Sook Jr., and Clifford Sook.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will not be a funeral. The family does plan on having a celebration to honor Jerry at a later time yet to be determined when gathering is safe for everyone.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Special Olympics of WI. 

Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420.