Jerome Anthony Andryczak

Jerome Anthony Andryczak, April 17, 1941 – August 15, 2021, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jerry Andryczak was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Matinette Drozewski and Thaddeus Andryczak. Jerry had two brothers, Melvin Andry and a fraternal twin, James Andry. He married Judith Koeppl and together they had four children: Janice (Mike) Morgan, Develan Andryczak, Jacquelyn (Jason) Krell, and Jill Andryczak; and ten grandchildren; Erica, Savannah, Mickey, Henry, Emma, JJ, Lizzy, Jackson, Izabella, and Gabriella; plus three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Carter, and Dillon.

Jerry’s greatest passion in life was sailing. He purchased the Sea Mistress, a 27-foot Catalina in 1973. He spent the next 40 years exploring Lake Michigan. The family has many fond memories of the time they spent with Jerry aboard the Sea Mistress. He was an accomplished and well-respected sailor. He was known by many as “Sailor Jer.” He endured many harrowing experiences while aboard the Sea Mistress, including losing his mast during one of the hundreds of Michigan’s sudden squalls, as well as a lightning strike that managed to fry all of his electronics, making for a harrowing journey back to shore in the fog with zero visibility. No matter the conditions, Jerry always remained calm and expertly handled the situations to bring his passengers and the Sea Mistress back to safety.

Jerry was a lover of music and always appreciated a live concert and a good sound system. His music could often be heard at the Marina or echoing offshore from the Sea Mistress. He loved a good time and was often the life of the party. He had a great sense of humor and often laughed at his own jokes. Jerry grew up playing Sheepshead with his family and continued the tradition within his own family, including his grandchildren. He was a skilled player and a fierce competitor. He did not like to lose and rarely did.

Jerry was also known for his cooking, especially his sought-after barbeque ribs and chicken wings. For years he made his wings for many parties and functions. He made the best thin-crust pizzas that have yet to be replicated by his family. Over the years he perfected marinades and various sauces that were passed down to his children.

Jerry lost his six-year battle with cancer. He was a fighter up until the end. His doctors and nurses were amazed at his strength and determination to beat cancer. He participated in a cancer research program using an experimental drug therapy. His cancer doctor was especially amazed with his ability to fight the disease.

His family plans to celebrate and honor Jerry’s life next summer in his beloved Door County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kathy Hospice House, 3232 Pleasant Valley Rd, Froedtert West Bend Hospital C, West Bend, WI 53095. The family has expressed their deepest gratitude toward the staff, nurses, volunteers, and gardener at Kathy Hospice. They were compassionate, thoughtful, attentive, kind and gentle to both Jerry and the family in his final days.