Gerald John Nellis, 95, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at Pine Crest Village. He was born on March 22, 1930, in Brussels, Wisconsin, to Goldie and Rosemond Nellis.

On May 26, 1951, Gerald married Janet Mary Beirl in Luxemburg. They shared 64 years of marriage until her passing in 2015. Together, they built a life rooted in family and a shared dedication to Wisconsin’s cheese-making tradition.

Gerald and Janet owned and operated The Door County Dairy in Little Sturgeon for nine years before relocating to De Pere, where they purchased and managed Eiler’s Cheese Factory. Gerald devoted five decades to the craft of cheese-making, playing a meaningful role in preserving and advancing Wisconsin’s dairy heritage.

Outside of his professional life, Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He especially treasured time spent at the home he designed on his shore property in Brussels, where he found peace watching sunsets over the water.

He is survived by four children: Jane (Dave) Pasterski of Iowa; Kay Nellis Skoronski of Texas; James Nellis of Sturgeon Bay; and Debra (Steve Buechler) Nellis of Seymour, Wisconsin; three grandchildren: Jed Pasterski, Jill (James) Brackett, and Scott Nellis; and six great-grandchildren: Austin, Chase, Joy, Jana, Juliet, and Jesse. He is also survived by one sister, Bertha Stoller of Algoma; and one sister-in-law, Patty Nellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Janet; one daughter, Terry Nellis; two brothers, Francis (Mildred) Nellis and Patrick Nellis; three sisters, Rita (Irwin) Columb, Carolyn (Jack) Conrad and Geraldine (Leo) Shebasta; and one brother-in-law, Frank Stoller.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. Francis & St. Mary’s Parish in Brussels with Rev. Rex Palaya officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Francis & St. Mary’s Parish.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pine Crest Village and to Gerald’s many good friends who enriched his later years with companionship and care.