Jerome Richard Tabelle

Jerome Richard TaBelle 80, longtime Superior area resident, died Friday, August 7, 2015 at Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center in Superior following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on October 9, 1934 in Finlayson, Minnesota the son of Richard and Gladys (Jensen) TaBelle.

Jerry graduated from South Shore High School in 1952 and worked for Darwin Ford for three years.

Jerry served his country in the United States Army.

Following his time in the Army, Jerry went to college on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Judith Moran was married to Jerry, the love of her life, on June 24, 1961 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Iron River, Wisconsin and had recently celebrated fifty-four years of marriage.

Jerry was employed by the Department of Social Services in Douglas County as a case worker, at Superior Vocations Center, Inc as a supervisor and then he retired in 1995 from the City Superior as a welder at the city garage.

Jerry was a member of the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post # 435, where he served on the Honor Guard; a member of the Superior Elks Lodge #403; the Superior Moose Lodge #606; a Hall of Fame member of the Tri State Racing Association and Busy Body’s (Laurel & Hardy) Club.

He started playing the accordion when he was a teenager, he played by ear and was very gifted. For many years he played at the Moose Club as a member of the Duals.

He had a gift of gab and was a wonderful story teller. He enjoyed sharing stories of his life experiences.

Jerry enjoyed playing his accordion; walking, which he did 5 to 7 miles per day for 20 years; working on his army truck, vintage cars and tractors.

If you happened to stop at Julie’s restaurant in Superior you would have run into Jerry and Judy at lunch time. They were regulars there with many of their friends.

In addition to his wife Judith, Jerry is survived by one brother, Allan (Joy) TaBelle, Superior, WI; one sister, Peggy Ann Lavin, Iron River, WI; his extended family, Kathy and Jim Darwin, Monona Grove, WI, Linda Gustafson, Port Wing, WI, Melanie (Scott) Ogren, Iron River, WI and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gladys TaBelle.

Visitation will begin after 5:00 PM Thursday, August 13, 2015 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, Superior. Visitation will continue on Friday, August 14, at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM, funeral service also in the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci of Cathedral Christ the King, officiating.

Burial will be in Iron River City Cemetery at a later date.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 and they will also perform military honors following the funeral service.

Special thanks to Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center in Superior; St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth and the many friends and neighbors who helped during Jerry’s illness.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.