Jerome B. Enama

Jerome “Jerry” Bruce Enama, age 96 of Little Chute, WI passed away on May 6, 2026. He was born to Emil and Julia (Mickolajczyk) Enama on January 7, 1930 in Norway, MI. After graduating from Norway High School with the class of ‘48, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served his time on frontline communications for two years as a PFC. After his honorable discharge, Jerry worked in electronics - since he had a knack for it - and become a servicer and repairer, spending most of his career repairing consumer printers at Modern Business Machines in Appleton. After 22 years of employment, he happily retired on the last day of 1989. Jerry married the love of his life, Cleo (Rehmer), on May 4, 1956, and together, they raised 2 wonderful children. They were each other’s life and love for 70 years.

Jerry was a man of quiet dignity and a disposition of strength, but still warm and approachable in nature. He was a “do it yourself” man - a tinkerer and a fixer - and he would help fix whatever he could for his friends and neighbors. In what free time he had, Jerry enjoyed wood carving and was proud to pass on that hobby to his granddaughter, Melissa. He also enjoyed researching his family history through what genealogical records he could find, piecing members of his family back as far as he could. Jerry was a Freemason - a member of the Waverly Masonic Lodge 51 in Appleton, and you could often find him at those meetings, improving upon his own character and helping to make other good men better. Jerry was also proud to have traveled to Washington, DC with the Old Glory Honor Flight, which was truly one of the highlights of his life and a true reward for his time in the service. More than anything, though, Jerry loved his family and cherished every moment he could spend with his wife, kids, and grandkids.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Cleo; his children, Susan “Sue” (Alan) Jankowski and James (Carlene) Enama; his grandchildren, Melissa (Josh) Genske and Laura Ihde (Zach Frederickson); his sister, Shirley Panis; his granddogs, Noodle and Meatball; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, dear friends and Masonic brothers.

Jerry is preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine Thomas; and grandson-in-law, Matthew (husband to Laura) Ihde.

Jerry’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Country Villa and Moments Hospice, who provided comfort, dignity and kindness during Jerry’s final days. Your gentle presence and unwavering support brought peace to both Jerry and our family and we will forever be thankful.

A private family memorial service will be held for Jerry. He will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Old Glory Honor Flight. “Old Glory Honor Flight celebrates local veterans who served prior to May 7, 1975—flying them to Washington, D.C., where they’re honored and appreciated.”

Donate to the Old Glory Honor Flight: https://missionsofhonor.org/our-missions/old-glory-honor-flight/