Gerald E. Waters, Little Chute, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 13, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Jerry was born on April 30 ^th , 1946, to Arthur Edward Waters and Sarah Lydia Boss.  Jerry was born in Illinois and the family moved to Rhinelander when he was a child.

Jerry was a proud veteran having served in the Vietnam War.  Jerry joined the military entering the Navy in August of 1964.  In 1966, he was deployed to the West Pacific on the USS Fox DLG 33 to shore up support during the Vietnam conflict providing Northern search and rescue ship for carrier-launched combat aircraft.  He made his 2 ^nd deployment in 1968 when the Fox was commissioned to the Tonkin gulf.  Jerry was released from active duty in the Spring of 1969.  After 18 years being out of the military, Jerry joined the naval reserve in May of 1989.  He was assigned naval mobile construction battalion 25, where he served for 12 years.  In January of 1999 he transferred to cargo handling battalion 7, where he finished his career.  Petty officer Waters awards include, navy achievement medal with two gold stars, presidential unit citation, battle efficiency ribbon with two silver Es, reserve meritorious service medal with four bronze stars, national defense medal with bronze star, Vietnam campaign medal, reserve overseas service ribbon, armed forces reserve medal, Vietnam service medal, expert rifle ribbon, and sharp shooter pistol ribbon.

Jerry was employed as a mechanic at Gustman's, he drove truck and did mechanical work for Calnin and Goss, and ahead of retiring he drove car for Bergstrom.  In his free time, Jerry could always be found in his garage working on his vehicles.

He is survived by his daughter, Bobbi Jo (Dan) De Vries; son, Robbi Waters; grandchildren; Addison and Chloe De Vries; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 12:00pm until the time of Military Honors at 1:00 p.m.  The Honors will be conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319, American Legion Post 41, and members of the State Military Honors Program.