Gerald M. Cross, “Jerry”, 87, passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday following a battle with ALS. He was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on August 10, 1930, the son of the late T.M. and Frances (Nee: Churchill) Cross.
Jerry graduated from Iowa State University and went on to Garrett Seminary where he became an ordained Methodist minister. As a minister he did parish work and also served as a campus minister in Michigan and at UW-M. He participated in the Second March in Selma and over a dozen marches with Father Groppi and the Commandos in Milwaukee. Jerry enjoyed facing vocational challenges and opted to become a self-employed film maker specializing in documentary and educational films. In 1981 he was hired as a filmmaker at J.I. Case, eventually staying on as a still photographer. After retiring in 2002 he joined two artist galleries to share his fine art photographs. In addition to photography Jerry enjoyed writing. He wrote two novels and numerous poems and just began his third novel. He also enjoyed his friends, books and baseball. Jerry was a member of Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church.
Surviving are his loving wife of 45 years, Jayne Steffens; daughters Marilyn Jane and Julia Ann who he always loved, other family and many friends of all ages. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, with Reverend Marlene Walker officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Racine Public Library or a charity of your choice have been suggested