Jerald "Jerry" Lee Plant

The world became a little less bright as heaven gained the most special angel on July 18, 2025, with the peaceful passing of Jerald “Jerry” Plant, at the age of 76. Born on June 22, 1949, a birthday he also shared with his wife, he was a devoted husband to Joan, loving father to Jennifer Oliva and Lisa Plant and doting grandfather of Colton, Dominic and Gianna, as well as grand dogs BugZ and Beau. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Anton “Tony” Ozbolt, and further survived by dear family and friends.

Jerry was a man of quiet strength and inspiration. A man of wisdom, kindness and unwavering guidance. He balanced his ambitious professional life with an unfaltering commitment to his family, love for his country and God and was the epitome of hard work, dedication and love. His legacy is a testament of service, humility, integrity, resilience, courage, strength, perseverance, and compassion and will forever live through these values he instilled in those who knew him.

Jerry’s advice and mentorship was sought by many as he was a pillar of support for his community and whose presence was a source of comfort to all lives he touched. Jerry’s kind and faithful spirit inspired his children and grandchildren to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges with courage, to value relationships and memories that stand the rest of time and to stand for what is right with unwavering strength and faith. His kindness, generosity and love for his family will forever remain.

As a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Army, he proudly served his country as military police, and did so with the upmost honor, integrity and respect. Following his military career, he married his cherished wife of 52 years and together raised their 2 daughters.

Jerry received an Associate Degree from MATC followed by a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a minor in sociology from Marquette University and furthered his education in the Master Degree program. He dedicated 40 years to inspiring students in law enforcement and took immense pride in doing so. Many in law enforcement likely crossed paths with Jerry as he was a long-time staple in the Police Science training and education program at MATC, as well as an adjuvant professor at Marquette University. He was an avid supporter of law enforcement and dedicated himself to enriching those whose path was to pursue a law enforcement career, as well as instruct active law enforcement attending in service training. Jerry was also a long-time chairman of the Franklin Fire and Police Commission with his purpose to enhance and protect the profession of law enforcement and the fire service.

Jerry had a passion for landscaping and took much pride in creating a beautiful outdoor space for all to enjoy. You could always find him tending to his yard or garden. He loved his Fox News, True Crime TV, Harry Potter, adventure fantasy movies, reading books and the Green Bay Packers – all of which he would enjoy with a bowl of ice cream or box of candy in his recliner.

Most importantly, if you asked Jerry his most memorable moments and favorite seat, he would say it was those in the bleachers cheering on his grandchildren at their hockey, baseball/softball, football, lacrosse, waterski and tennis games, the machine next to Joan at their favorite casinos or at their favorite Mexican restaurant with a margarita in hand.

Visitation at the MAX A. SASS & SONS MISSION HILLS CHAPEL (8910 W Drexel Ave., Franklin) on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM with full military honors present by active-duty members of the U.S. Army. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held following the memorial service at Emerald City Banquet Hall (3555 S. 13th St, Milwaukee).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ghafoor and the Aurora Healthcare Heart Transplant team, Dr. Ruggeri and the Aurora Healthcare Oncology team, Katrina (Palliative Care) and the Aurora Zilber Hospice Team (specifically Terri, RN and Jill, Social Work).

Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Boys Town (Nebraska Branch) or the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

In honor of Jerry’s life, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness in his memory and enjoy a margarita(s) with family and friends.