Gerald H. "Jerry" Bloxham, 94, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, at Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on June 16, 1922, in Superior to Richard and Ethel Bloxham and graduated from Superior Central High School in 1941. While in high school Jerry joined the National Guard and following graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army to be trained as a paratrooper. He was sent to Europe during World War II and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.
After his military service, Jerry returned to Superior to become a member of the Superior Police Department, working there for 12 years. Following his work with the police department, Jerry moved to Rancho Cordova, Calif. where he was employed as a security guard at an air force base.
During the Vietnam War he went to Vietnam as a security advisor. After Vietnam, he returned to California to join the California Highway Patrol, working out of the Chico office for a number of years. He then worked for the post office in Rancho Cordova until retirement.
Following retirement, Jerry returned to Superior in 1990. He joined the Superior police auxiliary and also found time for hunting and fishing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jerry especially enjoyed his summers spent on the Chippewa Flowage and much to his delight, a picture of Jerry and his first musky catch was featured in the local newspaper. (It was a big one!)
Jerry was also an avid bowler, taking home many trophies and awards from tournaments as far away as Las Vegas and Reno.
In 1996, Jerry married his high school sweetheart Sylvia, and they could frequently be found dancing at the Superior senior citizen dances where Jerry was often asked to sing with the local dance band, The Variations. Although he sang many of the old standards, his favorite was "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You."
Jerry always looked forward to the times when the family would gather at his home in Superior for birthday and holiday celebrations. His stories and wonderful sense of humor were enjoyed by all.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Grace, and second wife Leona.
Jerry is survived by his wife Sylvia Newman Wisti; son, Gerald (Karen) Bloxham of Reno, Nev.; stepchildren, Bill (Minnie) Wisti, Duluth, Craig (Vicky) Wisti, Omaha, Neb., Cynthia Pacheco, Superior and Todd Wisti, Columbia Heights, Minn.
Other survivors include his grandchildren, Craig Bloxham, Robert Bloxham and Julie Davis; step-grandchildren Brian Wisti, Aaron Wisti, Devin Pacheco, Andrew McConnell and Robin McConnell; great-grandchildren, Tony Davis, Robert Davis, Sarah Bloxham and Brandon Bloxham.
Visitation is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Christ Lutheran Church with 11 a.m. services officiated by Pastor David Schoessow. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pallbearers will be members of the Superior police auxiliary. Military honors will be accorded by the VFW and American Legion Combined Honor Guard.
The family thanks the staff at Villa-Marina for Jerry's excellent and loving care and would like to note Jerry especially enjoyed his fishing chats with Paul and Ron.
