Gerard Robert Sheedy died peacefully in his sleep, February 8th, 2021 at the age of 59. Jerry suffered in recent years from prostate and stomach cancer complicated by acute alcoholism. Jerry was born on November 11, 1961 to Harold Sheedy (d. 1982) and Evelyn Kaczmarek Sheedy (recently deceased) and immediately became an addition to a big farm family located in Suamico.

It was a robust, loving family that included 12 siblings: Anne Foley, Patrick Harold Sheedy, Mary Sheedy (Kenny Chambers), Kay Sheedy, Bill Sheedy (friend Angela Gschwind), Mark Sheedy (Sandy), Jean DeBauche (Steve), Beth Sheedy, Tom Sheedy (Sharon), Greg Sheedy, Tim Sheedy (Kim), Shawn Sheedy (friend Tammy Dipietro).

After Jerry graduated from Bay Port High School in 1979, he got involved in carpentry. He trained and learned much from local carpenters in the Pittsfield and Suamico areas; they helped Jerry gain the skill and experience he needed. He attained enough experience, knowledge, and confidence to start his own home building business, - Cedar Bay construction. His creativity and attention to detail in finishing work was Jerry's personal accomplishment of the job. He had a natural spatial awareness in his construction projects. Around that time, he met Laura Strebel through his good friend and brother, Greg. They married and had three beautiful, kind children: Brennan Gerard 24, Bryce David 20, and Anna Marie 18.

Jerry belongs in the category of "great guy."  His chiseled features, quick wit and charm were legendary.  Jerry had a great sense of humor. He had a great way of calling out the obvious with precise comedic timing. His wit was dry, a little cocky and quite often somewhat off - color (okay, it could get a lot off - color)!! He loved to tease. Many of his siblings, cousins, and friends can spend hours recalling his funny escapades and other great memories. Those of us that lived with Jerry have often remarked we should pen a book!

Jerry was so proud of his three-super bright, loving children. He also loved his siblings fiercely. As he struggled in his later years with drinking and health issues, he would tell others how he loved his siblings and how thankful he was for their unconditional love and support. He also loved his extended family of cousins young and old (many were his close friends), and all of his many wonderful nieces, nephews, and the great nieces and nephews.

Jerry had a special relationship with his godson, his nephew Ryan Foley (Anne).  At one point after college, Ryan worked and lived with Jerry and his family in Neenah. Ryan was proud of him for being a really great person, very smart, witty and for being such a great dad. Until the end, Ryan appreciated Jerry's advice on projects he was working on. And Jerry loved how it made him feel to be able to do this.

Ryan and many others in recent days remarked about Jerry's ability to command a room and lighten the mood, and how others enjoyed that about him.   Jerry loved football. It was not uncommon for Jerry's explicatives to be heard blocks away during the Packer game. We thought it particularly poignant that Jerry passed in his sleep after the Super Bowl.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Evelyn, his niece Erin Foley Schulz (Anne), his nephew Tyler John Sheedy (Mark), and many loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jerry would want to thank his oldest brother Pat whom he lived with in the beginning of his decline for the great care that Pat provided him. As well as his cousin Mike Sheedy who gave him much guidance and friendship. Mike admired that Jerry did not give up trying until the end.

Lastly, Jerry loved his fiercely loyal best friend and cousin, David Sheedy. Being cousins and neighbors, they literally were lifelong best friends. Thank you, Dave for always being there for Jerry.

We are comforted that Jerry's battles with his afflictions are over. He's gone home with the serenity that eluded him much of his later years. Jerry's smile and his ability to make us smile will be missed dearly.  Be in peace Jerry Rah-Rah. You are firmly placed in our hearts and in our minds forever.

A private funeral service will be held at Ss. Edward and Isidore Parish. Online condolences are welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com .