Name: Jerrold Darold Strege
AKA: Jerry, Jerald Strege, Jerrold Strange, Jerald Strange
Age: 43 years old
Last Seen: October 2, 2002
Location: Waupun, Wisconsin
Status: Still missing
Case Information
43 year old Jerrold “Jerry” Strege was last seen in Waupun, Wisconsin on October 2, 2002. He disappeared after leaving his job at the Dodge Correctional Institution.
Background
Jerrold Strege was born on February 20, 1959. He was a highly skilled golfer, and had planned to compete in a tournament on the weekend of October 5, 2002. He ranked 11th in the 2002 Wisconsin State Golf Association’s player of the year points list.
At the time of his disappearance, Jerry worked as a prison guard at the Dodge Correctional Facility in Waupun, Wisconsin where he had been employed for 25 years. He was held hostage during a prison riot in 1983, and his father says he was never the same after.
On August 15, 2002, Jerry was arrested for his 4th drunk driving offense, with the priors dating back to 1999. He was scheduled for a hearing on March 12, and friends say he was worried about losing his job.
Jerry was divorced and had no children, and may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Disappearance
Jerry Strege was last seen on October 2, 2002 leaving his job at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin.
He missed a golf tournament on the weekend of October 5-6 that he had been planning for, and failed to show up at work on October 8 as scheduled.
On October 9, 2002, Jerry’s father and a police officer went to his apartment because he hadn’t been answering his calls.
The apartment was unlocked, and the lights on inside. Jerry’s cell phone was next to his bed, with the TV turned on to the Golf Channel. All of his Jerry’s personal belongings were found inside his apartment, including his wallet, keys, identification, and golf clubs. The only thing missing was his gun.
His car and motorcycle were both inside the apartment complex garage, and there were no signs of a disturbance or foul play.
On October 11, 2002, he was officially reported missing to the Waupun Police Department by his father.
Investigation
There has been no activity on Jerry’s bank account since he went missing, and no contact made with friends or family.
Jerry’s father last spoke with his son over the phone on September 23, 2002, and said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
A bloodhound was brought into Jerry’s apartment to pick up his scent, however the scent was quickly lost when the dog stepped outside.
Police conducted searches of the Waupun area, including Fond du Lac County Park and the prison land to the east of Highway 151, but found no clues as to his whereabouts.
In 2004 the Horicon Marsh was searched with the help of cadaver dogs, but turned up nothing.
Whereabouts
The location of Jerry Strege, as well as the circumstance surrounding his disappearance, remains unknown.
Investigators aren’t sure if he left on his own, committed suicide, or was met with foul play. His case remains unsolved.
Appearance
White male born on February 20, 1959. Jerry has brown hair, blue eyes, stands 6’2 and weighs 230 pounds.
He had a nearly trimmed beard at the time of his disappearance and often wore a Seiko or Citizen watch.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jerrold Strege please contact the Waupun Police Department at (920) 324-7911.
Resources & Further Information
Jerry D. Strege – The Charley Project
Jerrold Darold Strege – NamUs
Media Links
Search for Strege Takes to the Marsh – WISCNews
Friends, Family, Co-workers Search for Missing Man – Daily Citizen
Was his golfing abilities enough for him to be able to turn ” Pro ” ? .
Was he never put on suspension for any of his offences that he committed ? .
Did he do any form of shift work , day or night or only administrative ?.
Had the case been concluded against those that held him and others that were held hostage ? .