Jerry Fay Wilhelm wasn�t born in Rockne, or even in Bastrop County for that matter. But she left an indelible mark on the place. Her vivacious and electric personality will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Her greatest gift to the community, and to the world, was her infectious laughter. Her legacy will live on in the memory of her students, colleagues, friends and family.

Jerry Wilhelm passed away peacefully on June 15, 2007. The date marked the end of her illness with breast cancer which she courageously fought for many years.

Jerry was born the daughter of Emmet and Elva Brumbalow in Littlefield, Texas on August 16, 1943. She graduated from Moody High School and went on to graduate from Southwest Texas Teacher�s College in San Marcos, Texas, with a B.A. in Education.

After college, Jerry taught theatre arts for two years at Sinton High School. In August of 1968, Jerry moved to Bastrop, Texas and taught Health and Physical Education for one year at Bastrop Junior High School. In 1969, Jerry became the resident theatre arts teacher at Bastrop High School and remained there until she retired from teaching in 1996.

Not long after moving to Bastrop, Jerry met a shy, yet strapping, young Rockne lad at the Bastrop State Park. His name was Claude J. Wilhelm, the son of Adolph and Margaret Wilhelm. The two of them married in November of 1969. After a short stint of living in town, they moved to Rockne and built their home and family together. They became integral to the Rockne community and to Sacred Heart Parish and were charter members of the Rockne Historical Association.

In addition to teaching and coaching various sports, Jerry directed Bastrop High School�s U.I.L. One Act Play competition for 27 years. Under her direction, Bastrop High School won many awards at the district, area, regional and state levels. Through her passion for the theatre she touched the hearts of countless students and young dramatists. She inspired many students to continue their stage careers on a professional level. She also inspired many to follow in her foot steps and dedicate their lives to teaching.

There was a particular group of students, however, that she had a extreme influence upon - those kids from Rockne that she encouraged to join her One Act Play competitions. Jerry took many of them, and in the words of one parent, "brought them out of their shells." She inspired a streak of confidence in each and every one of them. She became particularly close to many of them because she was their only transportation back and forth from play rehearsal. The kids would shove themselves in to her car (sometimes as many as seven of them!) and every ride home would become an adventure. Many stories were told and secrets were shared on those late night drives from Bastrop to Rockne. The kids looked as much forward to those drives as they did the play rehearsals themselves. There was no wonder that Jerry not only became the students� mentor, but also their friend.

Jerry�s "Rockne Kids" became some of the best and brightest actors that the U.I.L. stage had ever seen. Many of them won individual awards such as "Best Actor" or "Best Actress." And all of them excelled academically. But perhaps more importantly, many of them went on to be very successful individuals in life. All of them would say that Jerry�s investment in them is what made them such outstanding contributing members of society today.

Jerry was also an avid supporter of the Bastrop Opera House. The community theatre program relied on her for her professional expertise, her ability to overcome obstacles, and her gift of motivating and inspiring others to lend their support.

Jerry�s battle with breast cancer began in 2000. She always considered herself a fighter and a survivor. Her courage was captivating. She inspired many other survivors not to give up in their battle with cancer. She reached many survivors by becoming very involved with the Bastrop County Chapter of the American Cancer Society�s Relay for Life®. She played a critical part in coordinating teams for the Relay. Even when her own cancer returned after remission, she dedicated endless hours to the annual occasion. In May of 2006 she was honored as the key note speaker for the Relay and the entire event was dedicated to her. Generations of former students surprised her at the Relay by attending in her honor.

In addition to her loving husband Claude, Jerry is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Brandi and Bruce Vinklarek of Bastrop and her son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Lora Wilhelm of Rockne. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Trevor, Hunter, Adrianna, Danielle and Ella Vinklarek of Bastrop and Katelyn Wilhelm of Rockne; brother Bill Brumbalow of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and sister Doris Parker of Mendon, Nevada. Jerry will also be missed by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A mass and burial service were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne, Texas on June 18, 2007. The services were officiated by Father Christopher Bugno and Deacon Roger Muehr. Scriptures were read by Jerry�s niece, Vicki Seidel Moncure. Pallbearers were former students Keith Goertz, Kenny Hilbig, Dock Jackson, Reid Sharp and friends John Klaus and Charles Ott. An informal Memorial Service was held in her honor on June 21 at The Bastrop Opera House. Again, many of her former students were there to help celebrate her life.

An effort is under way to name the new Bastrop I.S.D. performing arts center after Jerry. Those wanting to sign the petition to the school board or wanting to assist with the effort can contact Brenda Meuth, Reid Sharp, Kenny Hilbig or the Pioneer Editor.

Jerry�s family would like to thank all of the people that sent their thoughts and prayers to Jerry during her illness. They would especially like to thank those that so graciously shared their time to be at her side.