Gerald "Jer" Leinonen

Gerald K. “Jer” Leinonen, 66, of Southaven, MS, formerly of Franklin and Milwaukee, WI, passed away January 14, 2012. Born in Butte, Montana on June 24, 1945, Jer was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and friend, who will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni Lee Babcock; his father, Paul Leinonen; and his brother, Fredrick Paul Leinonen. Jer is survived by his wife, Shirley Rosenwirth Leinonen of MS; his daughter, Angela (Joe) Schuster, and son, Todd (Connie) Arthur, both of Wisconsin; 2 step-sons, Scott (Becky) Sands of Wisconsin and Dan (Loria) Burdick of Florida; his mother, Mary Gedvillas Leinonen of Wisconsin; brother, Craig (Janice) Leinonen of Wisconsin; 2 sisters-in-law, Nina (Greg) Trapp and Carol Ann Rosenwirth, both of Wisconsin; and his brother-in-law, Jim Rosenwirth of Arizona. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Apryle (Matt) Krause, Jerad and Jordan Djupstom, Jonah Miller, Riley and Morgan Schuster, Paige Lilly and Gavin Sands, and Victoria and Aaron Burdick; his great granddaughter, Madison Krause; 2 nieces, Amber and Ashley Trapp; 2 nephews, Greg Jr. and Mathew Trapp; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his Air Force Vietnam buddy, Danny Parker of Georgia. Jer was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Air Force. For the past 40 years, he has been a member of American Legion Post 192, Franklin, WI, and in recent years a member of VFW Post 6498, Milwaukee, WI. A devoted sports fan of the Packers, Brewers, and NASCAR (go #24!), he also loved fishing, bowling, horseshoes, Buddy Holly, and dancing to 1950’s Rock n Roll. Mr. Leinonen graduated from Union Grove High School in 1963, and he retired after 35 years with Maybar Manufacturing in Franklin, WI (Tim, Mike, Amy, and the rest of the hardworking? Crew! : ) Jer passed away from complications of heart surgery, which is now breaking our hearts. We now raise a glass of Pabst to you, Jer…Safe Journey. In lieu of flowers, Love and Hug each other! Burial and Celebration of his life will be held in May 2012 in Franklin, WI; date and place is yet to be determined. Online condolences may be made at www.BrantleyFuneral.com

Brantley Funeral Home

(662)895-2310