In Loving memory of Jerry G. Baganz, age 77, of Grafton, WI who passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, WI. He was a “Friend of many, and enemy of none”.

Jerry enjoyed a unique childhood with Ruben, his wife Rhoda, and grandfather “Boppi” traveling across the country playing music in the service of the Lord. The music group was named The Baganz Trio. His siblings, Mark and Randy enjoyed many adventures which may be the reason for his rare ability to remain curious and open hearted to all walks of life.

Jerry met the love of his life, Pat McGinnis, on September 10, 1967 at 5:00PM working as a bartender at the Pioneer Inn. Thus began a 50 year adventure through life that would include two sons, Michael, David and daughter Catherine, living in six states and Germany and finally returning to their native Wisconsin and re-finding their home in Port Washington. 

After his service in the Army, Jerry worked in the auto industry for many years to provide the best life for his loving family. He owned several properties, was highly skilled in the business world and bought, improved and sold several small businesses over the years.

In addition to his exceptional work ethic Jerry was a craftsman and enjoyed building boats as a hobby. 

Locally over the years Jerry had been active as a member of the Port Washington Harbor Commission. Pat and he were charter members of Living Hope Lutheran Church. This included being part of the building crew for the church. He was involved in many aspects of Living Hope.

He is survived by, children Michael of Port Washington, David of Santa Barbara, CA, Catherine of Isleton, CA, grandchildren Bay and Sylvia, his brother Mark and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also missed by his loving companion Barbara.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at Living Hope Church, 851 W. Dekora St. Saukville, WI (Hwy 33) on Saturday September 24, 2022. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 PM, with the memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM. A reception will follow the service. 

(Note: Highway 33 may be closed due to the building of a roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 33 and County Trunk I. You will be able to drive past the ‘Road Closed’ barriers when traveling West out of Saukville.)

Memorials to the Living Hope Children’s Education Fund or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are appreciated. 

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4 Comments

  1. I knew Jerry and Pat from Living Hope church where we sung in the choir together. He also was a great actor in some mystery plays that my husband had put on in the community. What a kind and generous man he was. He will be missed by many, whose lives he touched.

  2. Jerry was a good friend to the Port Washington Garden Club and it was good that he came to many of the meetings even after Pat was gone. A kind man and a wonderful craftsman.

  3. Jerry was my friend through the Port Washington Gardening Club. He once told me, “It is not what you have, but how you share it that counts most.” What a wise and lovely soul!

  4. I served with Jerry on the Port Washington Harbor Commission
    He Provided valuable counsel on Marina and harbor issues based on his business acumen and diplomatic personality
    His special project comparing the Port Washington marina to others showed that our marina was more efficiently and economically managed than others
    Jerry had a kind and considerate nature and a great sense of humor
    I will miss him

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