Jerry (Gerald) Earl Schliem peacefully passed away on March 4, 2025. Despite an array of medical issues, Jerry and his beloved wife Marilyn, who together have enjoyed traveling the world the past several years, had embarked on one final journey cruising to Hawaii and Polynesia. With the trip drawing to a close and eager to get back home to Madison, Jerry took off on what was to be his final flight, settling into his seat next to his wife and drifting off to eternal sleep. With an unexpected landing in Phoenix, Jerry found final peace in the place he most loved and often spoke of returning to. A truly poetic and fitting way to end this journey through life.

Born to Earl Schliem and Lillian (Wehinger) Schliem, Jerry and his dear sister Jan Perry grew up in South Wayne, Wisconsin. Jerry was a farm kid who showed great athletic talent as a teen, eventually going to UW-Platteville where he played football, breaking the university’s single-season record for receiving yards in 1966, a record that held for nearly 25 years. He would eventually be inducted to the the University's athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

After graduating with a degree in physical education and eventually a Masters in PE from Winona State, Jerry continued pursuing his passion for sports as a standout on the Madison Mustangs semi-pro football team from 1967-1972.

Setting down roots in Monroe, Jerry taught and served as the football coach (later as athletic director) at Monroe High School. Jerry and his first wife Mary Schliem had their son Aaron Schliem in 1973 and daughter Sarah Schliem in 1974. Throughout the seventies Jerry continued to pursue his athletic ambitions as a star fast-pitch softball pitcher earning the highest honors in that sport's world championships.

In 1983 Jerry and family moved to Platteville, Wisconsin where he established a very successful insurance agency and developed a portfolio of property investments. Jerry was known in the community as an avid supporter of youth athletics, a fervent booster of UW-Platteville sports, and a business leader in the local chamber of commerce. Jerry met his life partner Marilyn Schliem in 1986 and his family grew with the additions of stepsons Mike Forrest and Nathan Forrest.

After years of tireless work supporting his family, Jerry retired in 2011, eventually moving to Phoenix, Arizona where he and Marilyn spent many happy years. Jerry always raved about how much he loved Phoenix, especially the amazing weather. In retirement, Jerry and Marilyn became seasoned travellers, seeing nearly every corner of the earth. He taught those around him the value of experiences, how a simpler life not based on materialism delivers greater happiness.

Jerry was an extraordinarily affectionate and charismatic man. On seeing the Schliem last name people would ask his children if they were by chance related to THE Jerry Schliem. Invariably an amazing story would ensue about how Jerry had helped, supported, or inspired someone (along with a few grins about mischief-making). His great love and affection reached further as a new generation of grandchildren arrived including Jonathan, Natasha, Thomas, Mati, Sophia, Xander, Abigayle, and Emmersyn. All the grandkids will carry memories of a grandpa who loved to play and laugh, but who also clearly taught the difference between right and wrong building character in all of his kids and grandkids.

With most of his family residing in Wisconsin we were all very fortunate that he and Marilyn decided to relocate back to Madison in 2021, giving everyone many more chances to celebrate birthdays, graduations, sports matches and just quiet evenings at home talking, sharing our dreams and memories.

Jerry will be deeply missed for his warm heart, his affectionate touch, his mischievous humor and big laugh, but more than anything for the truly unconditional love he showed to family and friends. 

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