Gerald "Jerry" Kocian, 72, of Wayside, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021. He was born February 19th, 1949 to Virgil and Erna Kocian. He was a 1967 graduate of Reedsville High School where he participated in intramurals and baseball. Jerry honorably served his country in the US Army, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam from April of 1968 to April of 1970, while earning a Purple Heart for his heroic efforts. After his military service, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Joy "Krueger" in July of 1970 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage last summer. Together they have 4 children; Kendra (Cory) Kiekhaefer, Brad (Tanya Eichhorst) Kocian, Amy (Jason) Leick, and Ryan (Jill Dvorachek) Kocian. Jerry was the proud Grandpa of 11 Grandchildren; Bryler, Brenna, and Brody (special friend Abby) Kiekhaefer; Nevaeh and Dawson Kocian; Kaden, Keegan, and Kaia Leick; Chase, Gavin, and Walker Kocian. Over the years, Jerry was involved in the Way-Morr Youth Sports program. He ran Kocian Painting, owned Kocian's Country Market. Jerry was a member of several bowling teams, and most recently painted part-time for Brown County. He enjoyed spending time up north hunting at "Spike Camp" in Three Lakes and fishing at the cottage on Little Sturgeon. Jerry was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed participating in his family's fantasy league. His family always looked forward to every holiday to see what Big Jer would be cooking, especially his New Year's Eve specialty of Prime Rib and Lobster. He could often be found on the dancefloor showing off his patented move "checking the wallet". Jerry was preceded in death by his Father, Virgil Kocian, his father-in-law, Lester Krueger, his mother-in-law, Elaine Krueger, his brother-in-law Randy Kraus and his sister-in-law, Dawn Marsicek. Jerry is survived by his wife Joy, his Mother Erna Kocian, his siblings Tom Kocian, Debra (Chuck) Haataja, and Dennis "Robbie" (special friend Laura) Kocian, his brother and sister in-laws Dianne (Larry) Zeitler, Donna (Arlie) Behnke, Kay (Kenny) Behnke, J'Ette Kraus, Jean (Dennis) Kiekhaefer, Linda (Scott) Schultz, Randy (Mary) Kreuger, Rick (Barb) Krueger, and Bill Marsicek, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 4:00PM – 7:00PM on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, 8378 County Rd W, Greenleaf. Visitation will continue after 9:00AM Friday morning at the church, until time of service at 11:00AM with Pastor Kyle Wangelin officiating. Full military rites and burial will follow at the church cemetery. Nickel Funeral Home, Morrison is assisting the family. Please go to www.nickelfh.com for further information and to send online condolences to the family.