Jerry Lee Selwitschka

Jerry “Kirby” L. Selwitschka, age71, of Clintonville, passed away on October 18, 2023 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Neenah, after a 3 ½ year battle with stomach cancer. Jerry was born in Oshkosh, the 10th child of William and Daisy (Laudenklos) Selwitschka. He met the love of his life, Deborah Thomas, on October 28, 1970. They married on September 23, 1972, enjoying many happy years together.

Jerry was a graduate of Oshkosh West High School. He was born to be a salesman. He succeeded very well in his career as a Kirby salesman and then distributor. (Hence, the nickname “Kirby”.) When he sold a vacuum to an elderly couple who only had one rug in their house, he decided he didn’t want to sell Kirbys anymore. He then went into Fundraising: helping groups sell products to gain profits. He went on to get his real estate license and subsequently became the broker of his own company – Diamond Real Estate.

His love of performing music gave him great joy. He learned to play the drums as a young boy and was an extraordinary drummer in many bands throughout his life. Drumming was his passion and he shared his enthusiasm for music with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was able to play a final gig September 19th. He also enjoyed golfing, telling jokes and traveling and just having good times with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, son Jason (Holly) Selwitschka, daughter Tiffany (Roger) Ross; seven grandchildren: Morgan (Saif Iftikhar) Selwitschka, Emily and Ryan Selwitschka, Samantha (Gavin Dahl), Tevin, Cadence, and Lauren Anderson; two great-grandchildren Iris and Theodore Dahl; sisters Donna Calkins, Fran Mondl, and Helen Selwitschka; brother James (Judy) Selwitschka; Father-in-law Harvey Thomas; sisters-in-law June Gordon Selwitschka, Tamie (Mark) Borgardt, and Debbie (Jim) Becker; and many nieces and nephews including Billy Selwitschka, whom Jerry thought of as a brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Julia Griswold (and her husband Sy) and Ruth Dickson (and her husband Wally); brothers William (and his wife Carol), John (and both his wives Carol and Rolande), and Jack Selwitschka (and his wife Debbie); mother-in-law Amber (Neitzel) Thomas; brother-in-law Randy Thomas; and several special nieces and nephews.

In life, Jerry did not easily express his feelings but deeply cared about his many family members and friends. His last few days were focused greatly on love and forgiveness.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 28, 2023 at Konrad-Behlman West Funeral Home 100 Lake Pointe Drive in Oshkosh with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Service will be led by Pastor Keith Wolf. Luncheon and fellowship will be offered at the Town of Oshkosh Town Hall 230 East County Road Y in Oshkosh following the Service.

He so loved children! In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.