Jerome Francis Frigo

Jerome (Jerry) Francis Frigo (84) of Onalaska, WI passed away on January 27th, 2026 at home after returning from a dream trip cruising around South America. Jerry was born on May 7th, 1941 to Frank & Ethel Frigo in Ironwood, MI. After graduating in 1959 from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, WI, he joined the Navy. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Frigo proudly served as an Electronics Technician Third Class. Leaving honorably after he served his four years. He went on to study Journalism at University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Jerry married Margaret (Marg) Ruppe on December 28, 1968. They lived in La Crosse for about ten years before moving into their forever home in Onalaska. They had two daughters, Lenore and Sarah.

Jerry worked at the La Crosse Tribune as a copy editor for well over 20 years. After going back to school to become a graphic designer, he worked for the Onalaska Community Life and Holmes Courier until he retired. Jerry spent over 30 years in the journalism industry.

Jerry was very active with the La Crosse Lions for many years. He helped out with countless events including helping to start their annual Easter egg hunt. He would help out with anything he could from cooking brats for fundraisers, to selling popcorn at the Riverside concerts, to helping set up the Rotary Lights. He loved serving others through the Lions, and he valued the friendship he made there.

After retiring Jerry traveled the world. He went on many trips with his wife, then kids and grandkids, and later his special friend Joanne. Jerry loved reading and would often read multiple books at a time. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors and going on walks. He went to many outdoor concerts every summer, mostly at Riverside Park. Jerry loved spending time with his grandkids, even traveling to watch them compete in their sports. He was a very proud grandpa with a house full of their pictures.

Jerome was predeceased by his wife Margaret, both his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Katherine Ruppe, his brother-in-law Roy Kaufman, and his sister-in-law Patsy Frigo.

He is survived by his daughters Sarah (Ray) Frigo-Reps and Lenore (Nathan) Watson, brother David Frigo, grandchildren Robert (Bert) & GraceAnn (Gracie) Reps as well as his special friend Joanne Steele.

Funeral services will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, WI on Wednesday February 4th, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a service starting at 3:00 p.m. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided. Burial will take place at a later date at Onalaska Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either the Coulee Region Humane Society, or the La Crosse Lions. Thank you.