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Boat racing started for Jerry as an 18 year old, in 1961 at the Winnebago marathon. Although finishing the race, Winnebago also almost finished his career as well. Central Wisconsin produced high seas that day, and a very cracked-up small boat. Jerry’s father was under the impression that the family boat was for pleasure only and not racing use. This clearly was not the case any longer. All repairs were made, Jerry was now a racer and the owner (Papa Palmquist) none-the-wiser.
Affordability and availability of equipment drew Jerry to circle competition in the form of a C Service Runabout. Also made affordable by a friend, next Jerry found himself driving a 20 ci Champion on a Janz Hydro in BSH, BMH and occasionally adding alcohol. Friends, Walter and Hank Menzies helped Jerry into CSH (30H), then DSH (55H), finishing his racing career with a 44xs and the assistance of Sam Hemp and Jerry Wienandt in 1994.
None of Jerry’s on water accomplishments can ever be compared with his support for his two boys andhow enjoyable you were to him at the races. Instead of pushing us on the water, he would try to “de-tune” us. Never trying to suggest racecourse strategy, just, “Be safe, Have fun.” John and I were allowed to learn our limits on our own. Providing support when necessary, but usually allowing space to deal with our failures, consequences and accountability on our own; both on and off the race course.
John and I hosted a very nice, but small family gathering yesterday 3/24, at my house in Jerry’s memory. Every year my parents would join me at Constantine for the Father’s Day weekend race. This year FATHER’S DAY falls on SATURDAY JUNE 17th, as does the first Constantine race (SO/MO). Following the daytime festivities, please help us toast all of our fathers and to spend a moment of remembering John and mine as well. Details to follow and beverages will be provided by the Palmquist’s.
In the late ‘70’s through the mid 80’s, Jerry was the commodore of Marine Racing Club, (Northern Illinois SO/MO club) for seven consecutive years. In lieu of flowers, please send propellers. (I half jest).
If you would like to honor Jerry through any typeof gift or donation, please contribute to his love of boat racing…
Marine Racing Club
℅ Chris Dudek
PO Box 1606
Valparaiso, IN 46384-1606
All donations will be used exclusively for Marine Racing Club’s DRIVING SCHOOL.
We are greatly appreciative of the many kind thoughts that have been sent our way.
Affordability and availability of equipment drew Jerry to circle competition in the form of a C Service Runabout. Also made affordable by a friend, next Jerry found himself driving a 20 ci Champion on a Janz Hydro in BSH, BMH and occasionally adding alcohol. Friends, Walter and Hank Menzies helped Jerry into CSH (30H), then DSH (55H), finishing his racing career with a 44xs and the assistance of Sam Hemp and Jerry Wienandt in 1994.
None of Jerry’s on water accomplishments can ever be compared with his support for his two boys andhow enjoyable you were to him at the races. Instead of pushing us on the water, he would try to “de-tune” us. Never trying to suggest racecourse strategy, just, “Be safe, Have fun.” John and I were allowed to learn our limits on our own. Providing support when necessary, but usually allowing space to deal with our failures, consequences and accountability on our own; both on and off the race course.
John and I hosted a very nice, but small family gathering yesterday 3/24, at my house in Jerry’s memory. Every year my parents would join me at Constantine for the Father’s Day weekend race. This year FATHER’S DAY falls on SATURDAY JUNE 17th, as does the first Constantine race (SO/MO). Following the daytime festivities, please help us toast all of our fathers and to spend a moment of remembering John and mine as well. Details to follow and beverages will be provided by the Palmquist’s.
In the late ‘70’s through the mid 80’s, Jerry was the commodore of Marine Racing Club, (Northern Illinois SO/MO club) for seven consecutive years. In lieu of flowers, please send propellers. (I half jest).
If you would like to honor Jerry through any typeof gift or donation, please contribute to his love of boat racing…
Marine Racing Club
℅ Chris Dudek
PO Box 1606
Valparaiso, IN 46384-1606
All donations will be used exclusively for Marine Racing Club’s DRIVING SCHOOL.
We are greatly appreciative of the many kind thoughts that have been sent our way.
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