Jerome Lehman Caldwell Jr.

Jerome “Jerry” was born on February 14, 1943 in Memphis, Tennessee to Jerome and Allete (Gates) Caldwell, and was the eldest of six children. He graduated from White Station High School in 1961 and studied Mathematics at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Jerry achieved his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota in 1977. As a teaching assistant (TA) in Calculus II class he met his true love, Debra. They married during a snowy winter break in December of 1973 and went on to celebrate 52 years of marriage, having two daughters, Vicki and Allison.

In the late 1970s, Jerry taught a variety of mathematics classes at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

In 1980, Jerry joined 3M for a 28-year career in mathematics, computing, and database management. During this time, he continued to share his love of computers and education by volunteering his time teaching computer programming to students in elementary schools. Jerry had a passion for sharing his knowledge and touched countless lives over the years.

Upon retirement from 3M in 2008, Jerry returned to his love for education, rejoining the staff at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls teaching Mathematics. He retired (again) in 2023 and spent his time with his wife and family, traveling and attending the many plays, performances, dance competitions, sporting events, and more for his four treasured grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Allete (Gates) Caldwell, sister Cissy, brother David, and brother-in-law Michael Perri. He is survived by his wife Debra; daughters Vicki Drasher and husband Dan, Allison Ortiz and husband Nic; grandchildren Carolyn, Benjamin, Dominic, and Samantha; siblings Chris Caldwell and wife Cheryl, Felix Caldwell, Helen Sain and husband David; sister-in-law Joanne Perri; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was known for his humor, sharing jokes and smiles wherever he went. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home with remembrance shared at 6 pm. Funeral services will be held at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd., Woodbury, MN 55125 on Friday, January 30 at 11 am, followed by a luncheon and then burial at Union Cemetery.

In honor of Jerry’s love for education, donations may be made to the school of your choice or to The American Heart Association.