Gerald "Jerry" John Josten

Gerald “Jerry” John Josten gained his angel wings on May 8, 2025, in Woodbridge, VA. He is now at peace in heaven with his beloved wife Marie “Mickey” and his daughter Susan. Jerry was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Born on July 6, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in a large family with 11 brothers and sisters. Jerry attended Marquette University where he played both football and baseball. He graduated from Marquette University in 1952, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He later went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Marquette. Jerry was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1952 and proudly served in the Korean War, as a platoon leader and company commander. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves for 40 years, retiring in 1992 as a Major General. Jerry’s personal decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with second 10-year device, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Jerry’s professional occupation after leaving active duty was in the education media and marketing industry, where he worked in several prominent positions with CBS. He was also involved in producing motion pictures for the educational and training market. Jerry later went on to own his own printing business, “Sir Speedy,” where he worked until 2013. Jerry met his wife Mickey at Marquette University, and they married in 1954 and enjoyed each other’s company for 60 years until Mickey passed in 2015. Together they had 7 children Julie Sullivan (Mike), Robert Josten (Lanabel), Timothy Josten (Jackie), Mary Ellen Lott (Damien), Patricia Merritt (Jim), Margaret Carson, and Susan Josten. Jerry leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Richard Josten (Marge) and sisters Monica Josten and Therese Stevens (Michael). Jerry and his family settled in Diamond Bar, California, where Jerry lived for 51 years. He relocated to Viriginia, in 2016 to be closer to family. He was a strong Catholic man, who had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was an avid Dodgers and Packers fan, who could always be found in his recliner with his remote. Jerry was a foodie and loved his beef and desserts but never met a vegetable that he liked. At his core, Jerry was a family man, with a kind soul and a warrior’s spirit. Jerry will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors. Details of his interment will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help or Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project - Donate .

Tributes

Gerald "Jerry" John Josten

May 8, 2025