Dr. Jeffery S. Wierichs LTC (RET) USArmy "Dr. J."

“When I lay my head on my pillow at night, I ask myself “Did I do good in the world today?” (Dr. Jeff)

The answer to your question unequivocally Dr. Jeff is “YES! YOU did an ABUNDANCE of good in the world today and EVERY SINGLE DAY!”

While Dr. Jeff had kicked cancer’s %$# since 2015, a freak accident at home over Labor Day weekend significantly impaired his physical being. When asked how he was doing he would respond “I’m still in the fight.”  Although he was a warrior, a “force” who optimistically and faithfully fought with dignity and grace, never once complaining, Dr. Jeffery S. Wierichs (LTC (RET) USArmy, passed at the Zablocki VA Hospital after a 9 month complicated, “1 step forward, 2 steps back “ordeal. He left this world with the pride, admiration, love and respect of his family and all who knew him. Jeffery did everything humanly possible to recover, but modern medicine didn’t hold up its end of the deal.   Jeffery said “Don’t be sorry for me. I’ve lived a great life and God is in charge. I’m at peace with it and just want my family and those around me to be at peace too.” Still putting others before him until the end.

How does one describe Jeffery’s huge heart, and his large presence which filled a room? You can’t possibly capture it all. Instead, you share an overview of the amazing person he was and trust that those whose lives he positively impacted are changed for the better and will pay it forward and share Jeffery’s legacy so he lives on. We will tell you this: When Jeffery was in a room of people, if you didn’t know him beforehand, you knew who Dr. Jeffery Wierichs was thereafter, because he made you feel like you had known him forever. Jeffery remembered you from that day forward and you too look forward to the day you would see and talk to him again. 

Jeffery had a quick and witty sense of humor, was grateful, optimistic, humble, compassionate, selfless, loyal and of unwavering dedicated service to our country, his patients, community, numerous nonprofit organizations and his friends and family. He was an outstanding provider and protector who loved his son Zachary, and his late wife Dr. Sandra Wierichs.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jeff retired from the US Military after 26 total years of service in both the United States Marine Corps and Army/Army Reserve.  He received multiple awards during his military service including, but not limited to The Army Achievement medal and the Army Commendation medal while serving as an Executive Officer. LTC Jeff’s most coveted miliary award however is The de Fleury Award for professional excellence in the Engineer Regiment.

After his miliary retirement, to continue in service to his fellow veterans, Jeffery was instrumental in founding the Fox Valley Veterans Council and the AMVETS Post 1212.  He also took an active role in the American Legion, PLAV, (Polish Legion American Vets), as he was of proud Polish decent and the Military Veterans Museum.  In addition to his service in veteran organizations, he co-founded the Fox River Lions club with his late big brother Lou. Together they created and organized unique events for fundraising such as the (NCAA) Final Four and (WI) Badger Bash to raise funds for the overall good of the Lions organization which in turn helped others in our community. Jeffery was a longtime supporter of the Greenville Lions and their Catfish Races/Concert Security team during concert festivities. (Although not a member of the Greenville club, they previously recognized his dedicated service with an award) This past year he was asked to introduce the bands during the Catfish Concert kick off. He was honored to do so and even more so when he was able to use the stage to give honor to his son Zachary who was celebrating his 33rd birthday that same day. Jeffery would beam saying he always told Zachary he wanted to throw him a big birthday party and with 10,000 concert goers singing Happy Birthday to his son, Jeffery did just that.

The Fox River Lions annual rose sale was an event Jeffery held near and dear to his heart. He dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort toward its success. One of Jeffery’s most heralded fund raisers, for obvious reasons, was his hosting of The Army/Navy Game fundraising event at the local Legion Club to raise money for Veterans and their families in need. Jeffery was a dedicated servant and relentless Warrior.  

While on Active Duty at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri in the United States Army Jeffery also attended National College of Chiropractic in Illinois to pursue his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree before online classes were an option.  He was simultaneously dedicated to his full-time military service, full-time chiropractic studies and home life obligations. He would often arise at the crack of dawn to travel 10 hours in a weekend roundtrip to visit his newborn son and wife, his one love Dr. Sandra (Kalies) Wierichs. His perseverance and dedication culminated in yet another achievement and in 1990 Dr. Jeff graduated with honors from National College of Chiropractic, also serving as President of his class and Graduation Speaker. He could add this to his list of educational achievements, which included his Masters of Business Administration degree and also having graduated 2nd in his Army class of Engineers despite having no formal Engineering degree.

Upon his graduation from National College of Chiropractic, Jeffery began Packerland Chiropractic in Green Bay, WI. Because he ideally cared about his patients Dr. Jeff’s practice grew quickly and thrived. Packerland Chiropractic, because of its well known reputation and namesake was even mentioned in an issue of Sports Illustrated when an article about Green Bay and the Packers was published. In later years Jeffery took on an Associate who would subsequently take over Packerland Chiropractic while Jeffery took over Kalies Chiropractic in Brillion, WI.   

Dr. Jeff had a brilliant mind that went far beyond his formal fields of studies. His knowledge of real estate, finance, engineering, negotiations, carpentry, construction and mechanical aptitude far exceeded most, and was sought after by many, oftentimes by professionals in any of the given fields.  However Jeffery was humble and would only provide input or insight if asked, putting aside whatever he was doing and giving you his full attention, sure to help, advise or even complete a project for you if needed.  Even though his full-time career was Chiropractic Dr. Jeff for example, would be frequently negotiating real estate acquisitions, or working hands on remodeling one of the numerous homes he completely remodeled and resold. He was the proverbial “Jack of all Trades.”

Throughout Jeffery’s life he had a love of nature, and the outdoors supporting many wildlife organizations. From a young boy to his mid-adult life he hunted on family property in Eagle River, WI with his Dad, 3 brothers and dear friends who joined in the annual” Deer Camp.”  Later years were spent hunting and fishing with his son Zachary and dear friends. Earning his bear tag in recent years Jeffery beamed to have gotten his first bear while hunting with his son. That day was a highlight for them both.  

Athletics and competition were in Jeffery’s blood. He began playing football in Pop Werner, (which his Father Lou Sr. help found in the Fox Cities) and Jeffery continued throughout high school and into college, each season being selected All Conference and even All State, which earned him a college scholarship to play football. Wrestling was a love of Jeffery’s as well, and he also achieved much success on the wrestling mat. He was Nationally ranked in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. As an adult he competed in Rugby and supported youth athletics. Yet again Jeffery’s exemplary work ethic and dedication earned him accolades in sports as well as in life.    

Dr. Jeff was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years Dr. Sandra, parents Louis J. Wierichs Sr., & Harriet (Czajka) Wierichs, brothers Louis Wierichs Jr. & Thomas Wierichs, father-in-law Ralph Kalies and mother-in-law Elaine, numerous Aunts and Uncles and beloved canines.  

Dr. Jeff is survived by his son Zachary Wierichs, (Angie Kleinmann) his brother, Retired USArmy Colonel Daniel Wierichs (Julie), sisters Christina Wierichs-Kimball (Tim), Maria Wierichs (Patti Jorgensen), sister-in-law Terri (Lutz) Wierichs nieces Nichole Meser (Allen), MAJ (RET) USARNG Heather Bearce (Ron), Brogan Kimball, Tessa Wierichs, nephew Cade Kimball and great niece Britnee Bearce. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Ralph and Dr. Terry Kalies, and 2nd son Corey VanderZanden.

Dr. Jeff and family would like to thank Anne Marie, PA, Kay, Nurse (RET) and Rachel, SW at the Appleton VA Clinic, the nursing staff on floor 4C, and therapists Josh, Tyler and Stephanie at the Zablocki Veterans Hospital in Milwaukee and Drs. Ridolphi & Ridolphi, Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a monetary donation in Dr. Jeff’s name to one of the following:

AMVETS Post 1212, Appleton, WI

Fox River Lions Club

Fox Valley Veterans Council

American Legion, Appleton WI

PLAV (Polish Legion American Vets), Stevens Point, WI

Military Veterans Museum, Oshkosh

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.