Dr. Gerard “Gerry” Girdaukas

Dr. Gerard “Gerry” Girdaukas was born on December 2, 1953, in Sheboygan, WI and, following a catastrophic medical event, he was called home to the loving arms of his God on December 21, 2015.

He was the youngest child of Edward and Helen (Cinelis) Girdaukas. Gerry attended St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Fond du Lac, from 1968-1972. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, graduating in 1976 with a degree in Psychology. After graduation, Gerry joined the Capuchin order and was with them from 1976 – 1981. He began his professional career as a youth minister at St. Mary’s Parish in Des Plaines, IL. He obtained both his Master’s and Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University of Chicago. Gerry began his private practice, Allied Counseling Services, in Lake Bluff, IL, in 1992. His greatest joy in life, after his family, was being “Dr. Gerry.” This was his passion and life’s work, and he was grateful every day for the trust placed in him by all those whose lives he touched.

Some of Gerry ‘s other joys in life included spending special times with his boys and his wife Kris, all things vintage cars which was a passion he shared with his sons, cousins and uncle, traveling, dogs, sketching, and his beloved Green Bay Packers. He took great pride in his Lithuanian heritage. He had a tremendous sense of humor, a brilliant way with words, a peaceful presence and a joyful heart. He was a devout Catholic and had a deep, abiding love for and knowledge of the complexity of his faith. He lived his faith every day and in everything he did. He truly reflected the love, light, joy and hope of the Lord to all who knew him. He was actively involved in many groups at his parish, St. Anne Catholic Church in Pleasant Prairie, including being a leader in Confirmation instruction, That Man Is You Men’s Group (his beloved “Band of Brothers”) and a leader of a Great Adventure Bible Timeline study group. His loss is deeply felt by his church community.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kristin (Hendee) Girdaukas; his beloved sons, Patrick and Joshua; siblings Timothy, James, Gregory, Celeste and Maureen; his loving mother-in-law, Dorothy; sister-in-law, Kimberly, and brother-in-law, Mark. He is further survived by his aunt, many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, devoted friends and clients.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, David.