Gerald "Jerry" C. Vanden Branden Jr.

Gerald “Jerry” Carl Vanden Branden, Jr, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on August 25, 1951, in Sheboygan, WI, Jerry moved with his family to Racine as a child. He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1970 and married his high school sweetheart Sandy in 1972. Other than a few years living in Illinois for work, Jerry called Racine home throughout his life. Jerry was loved dearly and will be forever missed by his children Jeremy (Laurie) Vanden Branden, Derek Vanden Branden, and Alissa (Jeffrey) Senzig; his grandchildren Bailey Aviles, Cecelia Senzig, and Joseph Senzig; his siblings Paula Hoornaert, David Vanden Branden, Wendy (Perry) Thornton, and Tammy (Tim) Venegas; and his step-dad Slavo “Mike” Rozic. He is further remembered by his ex-wife Sandra “Sandy” (nee: Christenson) Seitz, uncle Steven Rosenstein, his nieces and nephews, and many other family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Rozic (nee: Rosenstein) and Gerald Vanden Branden, as well as his brother Patrick and sister Patricia. Helping people and animals in need were Jerry’s passions. Jerry loved people. He enjoyed meeting, conversing with, and helping people whenever he could. His desire to help others showed through in his support for his children’s interests and in his careers in law enforcement with the Zion Police Department and then later in sales at Badger Uniforms in Racine. One of Jerry’s great joys in life was finding unique treasures for family and friends at discount stores, garage sales, and flea markets. Jerry had a lifelong appreciation for nature and animals. He had innumerable reptilian, amphibian, avian, and mammalian pets over the years. He really loved turtles and dogs, especially his trusted companion Maggie, but he had room in his heart (and aquariums) for all creatures. Jerry’s other interests included listening to music, cheering on the Packers, and reading the paper while drinking a hot cup of coffee, preferably a large from McDonald’s with two creams and two sugars. A visitation will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Burial to follow immediately after at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, WI.

Tributes

Gerald "Jerry" C. Vanden Branden Jr.

August 25, 1951 - December 6, 2025