ALL SERVICES WERE HELD PRIVATELY 

Gerald Anthony Krackenfels 88, of Bedminster, New Jersey passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Leo and Helen Krachenfels on April 7, 1937. He was raised in Lodi, New Jersey along with his younger brother James (Jim) Krachenfels. He was a 1955 graduate of Lodi High School where he was commended on his incredible athleticism. His passion for basketball and baseball was continuously rewarded with becoming the captain and leading the teams to victorious seasons.

 After high school Jerry enlisted in the United States Coast Guard from 1956-1960. He was honored to serve his country. Jerry continued his leadership on the court as captain of The Third Coast Guard District Office basketball team with winning success and was quoted as “one of the strongest military squads in the Northeast” (from 1958-59)

Following his service, Jerry attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey from 1960-1964. In 2006, his 1962 Baseball team was inducted into the Fairleigh Dickinson University Athletics Hall of Fame.

 Jerry held a twenty-five plus year career at Sandoz /Novartis Pharmaceuticals as Director of Compensation. He was cherished by his co-workers and success of his position within the corporation. There he met his current wife Joanne Krackenfels and shared 39 wonderful years together.

Jerry was a warm, kind, caring, loving, soft-spoken husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed a simple life. He cherished time with his three daughters and three grandchildren who always put a smile on his face. Jerry’s incredible passion for sports continued through his years watching his sports teams (Yankees and NY Giants) and a love for playing Golf. He was most content on the course playing 18 holes… he was in his element. He was also involved within his community throughout the years on the tennis league, volunteering time at the Senior Center and working at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.

 Jerry is survived by his wife Joanne Krackenfels, his daughters Lauren Vergara of Maywood NJ, Carolyn (Mark) Brown of Naples FL and Jennifer (Vikas) Bhatia of Tampa FL, and his three grandchildren Kayleigh Vergara, James Bhatia, and Jack Bhatia. Also surviving are Jerry’s brother James (Jim) Krachenfels and his wife Jeanne, along with their daughters Jennifer (Orde) Hiller and children Joshua and Abbie, and Amy (Andrew) Humber and their son Aidan.