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Gerald M. Cross

August 10, 1930 - June 19, 2018
Racine, WI

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Life Story / Obituary


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Gerald M. Cross, “Jerry”, age 87, passed away in the comfort of his home, Tuesday, June 19, 2018 following a battle with ALS. He was born in Grand Island, NE, August 10, 1930, son of the late T.M. and Frances (Nee: Churchill) Cross.

Jerry graduated from Iowa State University and went on to Garrett Seminary where he became an ordained Methodist minister. As a minister he did parish work and also served as a campus minister in Michigan and at UW-M. He participated in the Second March in Selma and over a dozen marches with Father Groppi and the Commandoes in Milwaukee. Jerry enjoyed facing vocational challenges and opted to become a self-employed film maker specializing in documentary and educational films. In 1981 he was hired as a filmmaker at J.I. Case, eventually staying on as a still photographer. After retiring in 2002 he joined two artist galleries to share his fine art photographs. In addition to photography Jerry enjoyed writing. He wrote two novels and numerous poems and just began his third novel. He also enjoyed his friends, books and baseball. Jerry was a member of Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church. Surviving are his loving wife of 45 years, Jayne Steffens; daughters Marilyn Jane and Julia Ann who he always loved, other family and many friends of all ages. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018, 3:00 P.M. at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Avenue, with Reverend Marlene Walker officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service, 1:30 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Racine Public Library or a charity of your choice have been suggested.

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