Jerome R. "Jiggs" Gaedtke, 90, of Bella Vista, Arkansas went to the Lord and those who left before him on April 17, 2023. Jiggs was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on January 12, 1933, to Earl A. and Evelyn D. (Redfield) Gaedtke.

Jerome graduated from P. J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point in 1951 and soon after he joined the US Navy. He was united in marriage to his wife of 50 years, Donna J. (Tozier) Gaedtke on June 7, 1952. He served in the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring in 1973 after 22 years on active duty, serving an additional 8 years of reserve duty, completing 30 years of dedicated service to our country. He loved the Navy and talking about his work and experiences throughout his career, which expanded across the globe including many places in the Pacific Islands, Cuba, and the Continental US. He flew Atomic Energy Commission personnel on many atomic bomb missions, worked as an aircraft mechanic, an Instructor, a Recruiter, and flew as a crew member on various aircraft throughout the Pacific Islands. After retiring from the Navy in Gardner, Kansas, he, and Donna returned to Stevens Point where he worked for Basic American Foods for 10 years before retiring again. They then moved to Pleasanton, Kansas where he did small engine repair and odd jobs for widows in the area. He and Donna became very involved in their church, helping in various ways. In 1995 he and Donna moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas where they enjoyed being very involved in their church and golfing, while he dabbled in woodworking. After Donna's passing in 2002, he spent the last 20 years traveling the world seeing all he could see, accompanied by his dear friend, Bev Eagan.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, the NRA, and the Retired Enlisted Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; two brothers, Don, and Bill Gaedtke; and son, Gary A. Gaedtke.

He is survived by his sister, Luann Roy of Bella Vista; three sons, Jerome "Jake" Gaedtke (Janice) of Bozeman, Montana, Steven Gaedtke (Betty) of Yellville, Arkansas, and Thomas Gaedtke (Dana) of Bonham, Texas; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and step grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at 9:00 am at the Presbyterian Church, 1880 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR 72715 with inurnment at Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 S. Lt Col Leroy Pond Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701 with full military honors at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Garden Fund at the Presbyterian Church, 1880 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR 72715.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.  On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.