Jerry Kahn

Jerry Michael Kahn, age 66, died peacefully at home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on Tuesday, July 8th after a brief and courageous experience with brain cancer. A large community of supporting family and friends accompanied him steadily throughout this time and through his transition.  

Loving husband of Carol (nee Masiakowski) for 42 years (47 together). Proud father of daughter Sarah and son Ryan (Ayelet) and joyful grandfather of three grandchildren, Rylynn (father Cyrus Ortiz-Luis) of San Diego, CA and twins Itai and Yoav of Piedmont, CA. He is also survived by brothers, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born on December 11, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Sidney H Kahn and Esther Kahn (nee Pansky), brother of Dean and Steven (Sue), and predeceased by Norman (Cindy).

He graduated from Marshall High School in 1976, and then from UW-Madison School of Pharmacy in 1981 and UW-Milwaukee in 2017 with a Masters in Social Work. 

Jerry had a passion for helping others change and heal their lives,  courageously devoting 35 years of active involvement to this.  He was a leader in the international men’s organization ManKind Project, where he led over 100 retreats on four continents.  Later, he cofounded the Wisconsin TRUTH Project, bringing heart-centered work into men’s prisons.  In many ways, this volunteer work was where Jerry found his calling, bringing healing to literally thousands of men inside and outside prisons.  Recognizing this as the work he was most meant to do, Jerry went back to school late in his career to become a therapist so his daily work could align with his heart.  He continued this work through the end of his life.

He also loved working with his hands and nature’s elements, creating beautiful wooden toys for children.  Airplanes, trains, and cars were his Jer-Bear Creations, and he crafted each one with capable love to spread joy in the world.

He sought solace in nature. Hiking, e-biking, and especially camping with his dog were some of his favorite moments. Inviting others to sit by a fire and connecting with trees were restorative to him.

Jerry had a unique way of being in the world, often pushing limits, seeing opportunities where many would not dare to look. He openly encouraged following laws but not rules. He often had a metaphor handy (and kept others wondering what he meant). Play was important to Jerry and his motto was “Have Fun.” Laughter and making others smile was a gift he had and shared.

In all of his endeavors, Jerry brought Jerry fully — his defiance, his humor, zest in new interests, his insight, his determination to be present to all the ways life shows up. He left a lasting impression.

Jerry will be buried in a private honoring at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, WI on July 26th and a Celebration of Life Gathering will be on July 27th.

A heartfelt thank you to all we met along the cancer journey at Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert Bluemound Rehabilitation Hospital, and finally Horizon Hospice (especially Juliann RN, and Stephen our Chaplain). 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Milwaukee Makers Space (Lennox Woodshop), Wisconsin TRUTH Project (men’s groups in prison), or Strain for the Brain (brain cancer research). 

To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000