Former Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter sports editor Jerome “Jerry” E. Zigmund, 92, of Manitowoc, passed away on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. An obituary was published in the Oct. 16, 2025 issue of the Valders Journal.
Zigmund was born on Nov. 7, 1932, in Manitowoc to the late Felix and Angeline (Mrotek) Zigmund. He married DeAnne Stecker, and the couple moved to Phoenix, where they resided for 30 years. DeAnne was killed in an automobile accident in 1995. Three years later, Jerry met Carol Schlei-Wetenkamp in Manitowoc, and they were married on Jan. 16, 1998. Together, they moved to Florida, then Tennessee, before returning back home to Manitowoc.
Zigmund worked as sports editor for The Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter and the Phoenix Suns. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. An avid sports fan, Zigmund was especially a fan of the Green Bay Packers, and he enjoyed surfing the internet, playing bingo and traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Debbie (significant other Mark Wilda) Reynolds, Bill (significant other Stephanie Redner) Schlei, Ron (Ann) Schlei and Bruce (Barbara) Schlei; six grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.
A private family service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at a later date.The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer location, is assisting the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
