Jerome Drake

He was born on Feb. 16, 1935, in Mosinee, Wis., to the late Shirley and Bernice (Laszewski) Drake.

Jerry graduated from Mosinee High School, Class of 1953. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) and obtained his master’s from the University of Missouri.

He married the love of his life, Yvonne Catherine Penegor, on May 20, 1960, in Ontonagon.

Jerry was chief of social work service at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center from 1972 until 1994. Prior to that, he worked as a social worker in Tomah, Wis., and for numerous county welfare departments in Wisconsin (Florence, Winnebago, Marathon). He also served in the ROTC for eight years.

Most notably, he moved his family to Anchorage, Alaska, to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1965 to 1969. Here, he found himself on countless adventures, flying with bush pilots to remote villages as their unofficial copilot and spending time hunting, fishing, camping and skiing.

Jerry was an accomplished athlete and lifelong sports lover. He ran track at UWSP and held the long jump record for many years. He was a fierce competitor on the football, basketball, handball and racquetball courts. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of Pine Grove Country Club for over 50 years.

He loved playing cards, especially bridge. He and his wife, Yvonne, shared countless memories at the bridge table, earning their Life Master status together and playing for many years with their dear friends in Iron Mountain and Kingsford.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporter and he showed it in countless ways! He was especially fond of dogs and had several pets throughout his lifetime. He was fun loving and liked to go fast. He drove fast, ate fast, ran fast and mowed the lawn very fast!

At family weddings, he would tear up the dance floor with his wife, always up for an energizing polka or swing! He treasured living by the water, residing on the Menominee River and Chicagon Lake. He found great joy hosting lake parties with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca (Dr. Daniel) Cecconi of Florence, Wis., Julie (John) Benzie of Iron Mountain, and Jennifer (Steve) Zimmerer of Byron Center, Mich.; sister Sharon (Joe) Garibaldi of Largo, Fla.; grandchildren Noah Cecconi, Nick (Kate) Cecconi, Catherine (Paul) St. Louis, Carlee Benzie (Joe Delavergne), Jacob Zimmerer, Jocelin Zimmerer, Gabe Zimmerer, and Kylee Zimmerer; and many nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed watching grow up.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Yvonne Drake; brothers Eugene, Gilbert, and Gregory; and sisters, Joyce Clark and Joan Olson.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Maryhill Manor for the exceptional care they provided for our Dad. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you!

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1, at St. Mary St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain, with the Rev. Janusz Romanek officiating. Burial will take place in Quinnesec Cemetery in Quinnesec.

The family asks that memorial donations be made in Jerry’s honor to Almost Home Animal Shelter, 5060 Lincoln Ave., Quinnesec, MI 49876.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Jerry’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services to honor Jerry’s legacy of life.