Jerome “Jerry” E. Ehrhardt, age 74, passed away on May 16, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin. Born on May 30, 1951, in Shawano to the late Earl W. and Dorothy (Alft) Ehrhardt, Jerry spent his youth in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West High School.

After high school, Jerry worked various jobs, although he struggled to find meaning and purpose. In his early twenties, however, he found the answer and committed his life to Christ, who called him to serve in South Korea. Later, during a six-week missionary training program in Okinawa, Japan, he met Karlyn Brennan who was working in an Okinawan church. Since Jerry had been called to Korea and Karlyn to Japan, he did not believe a relationship was possible. God, however, had other plans for the couple. After a year of correspondence, he proposed by mail. Karlyn went to Koreawhere they were married in a Korean church.

Jerry and Karlyn spent one year in Pyeongtaek (formerly Songtan), where Jerry had started a Christian coffeehouse ministry that included a bilingual Sunday service. In 1981, they relocated to Okinawa to serve in two coffeehouses that ministered to U.S. military personnel and local Okinawans. During a furlough, while pursuing educational goals in the United States, they adopted their first child, Jennifer. After returning to Okinawa in 1987, Jerry pastored Kadena Community Church. One year later, they adopted Rachel, completing their family.

In the early 1990s, Jerry and Karlyn returned to the United States where he was ordained by the Evangelical Free Church. Afterwards they returned to Japan, where he pastored Musashino Community Church in Tokyo. Jerry’s passions included teaching, preaching, studying the Bible, and sharing his faith. He pastored churches in Korea, Okinawa, and Tokyo for more than thirty years. He also loved basketball, playing as a younger man and later enjoying the game as a spectator. In addition, he enjoyed fishing, fixing things, and playing both the guitar and harmonica.

Known for his gentle nature, Jerry always looked for ways to serve others. He was a man of integrity and humility, steadfast and unwavering in his beliefs and values. As a spiritual leader, he mentored others and offered guidance lovingly and in a nonjudgmental way. Listening to others and focusing on their needs was one of his greatest strengths. He was also known for his wry sense of humor and his ability to come up with puns and one-line jokes when least expected.

After returning to the United States in 2007, Jerry continued serving by training churches and individuals in mission development through ReachGlobal under the Evangelical Free Church. He traveled to China, Mongolia, and Thailand, participating in mission conferences and offering support and encouragement to overseas missionaries and churches.

Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly forty-five years, Karlyn; his daughters, Rachel (Randall) Flanagan and Jennifer Wentzel; and his grandchildren, Madeline and Jacob. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeanne Ehrhardt, Joanne Ehrhardt, Judy (Dan) Hohnberger, Jim (Mary) Ehrhardt, and Jan (Jeff) Johnson; his sister-in-law, Kathy Kizziar; his brother-in-law, Scott Eynard; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Harley Kizziar.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Appleton Community Evangelical Free Church, 2490 W. Capitol Drive, Appleton. Family and friends may gather at the church from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ReachGlobal Missions