Jerry was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 28, 1924, the son of Otto Theodore and Louise Marie Busch Raschke. He was proud of his healthy 99 years. Jerry played tennis until a few years ago when a knee injury from the war made him quit. He continued to walk his loved Bassett hound, Mona until recently.
Jerry (“barely”-in his words) graduated from North High School in Omaha on June 7, 1943. Four days later, on June 11th, he was drafted into the armed forces and in uniform for WWII. Jerry was assigned to the Air Corps (later Air Force) and trained to become an Armament Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber (Marauder). He flew 61 missions over Italy, France and Germany. Jerry was awarded 11 air medals, 7 bronze Major battle stars, 2 Presidential Citations, Croix de Guerre avec Palm, most recently was given the highest national decoration given by the French Government, the Legion of Honor and the “most difficult medal for him to earn”, the Good Conduct Medal, plus a few others. He trained new American and French gunners. Jerry was honorably discharged on July 31, 1945, as a Tech Sgt. He then joined the Reserves as an officer.
Jerry’s life in Europe was the most exciting adventure, but his next adventure brought him such joy. He married his high school sweetheart, Mildred June Astleford on June 22, 1946. They were married for 56 years until her death. From that marriage, two very loved daughters were born, Sheri June Ramsey (Don) and Linda Joyce Freeman (Ron, deceased) both named after planes he flew in on his missions. This resulted in four grandchildren, Christopher Perrine (Laura), Steven Perrine, Ryan Ramsey (Krysta), and Lia Kiddy (Robert); 9 great-grandchildren, Courtney Burkhart (James), Bailey Perrine (Chelsey), Broderick Perrine (Yuuri), Patrick Ramsey, Emery Ramsey, Wiley Ramsey, Addison Kiddy, Brendan Kiddy, and Ava Kiddy; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Athena Perrine, Dawson Perrine, and Lucas Burkhart. He has many loving nieces, a nephew, and a sister-in-law who he communicated with by phone or Facebook often. He was a family man and loved all of them.
On May 4, 2002, he married a childhood playmate, Dorothy Dennis, with whom he was reacquainted at a high school reunion. They were married for 16 years. She preceded him in death.
Jerry worked for The Associates for 42 years and retired as Vice President of Risk Management in 1997. He was a woodworker and created beautiful, creative pieces of furniture for family, friends and churches.
In 1971, Gerald was ordained. He studied for Holy Orders at Notre Dame University, Indiana and Indiana University, South Bend for the Diaconate. Jerry helped design the Diaconate program for the Episcopal Church. He took and passed the exams for both the Diaconate and Priesthood but had always chosen to be a Deacon (the servant order). Jerry served as a Deacon lovingly and respectfully in South Bend, Indiana, Irving, Texas, (became Arch Deacon of the Diocese of Dallas), continuing as Deacon in Springfield, Illinois and Enterprise, Florida while married to Dorothy. He was pleased to say he participated as a Deacon in the enthronement of five Bishops, the Installation of six Rectors and/or Deans in four Parishes.
He died a very happy man anticipating the next great journey.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 South 2nd St., Springfield, IL with The Right Reverend Brian K. Burgess, Bishop of Springfield and The Very Rev. Andrew Hook, presiding.
Inurnment will take place following the funeral mass at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL.
