ONEIDA, WI – Gerald “Jerry” Danforth, age 78, passed away on June 1, 2025. A respected tribal leader not only for the Oneida Nation, but for all of Indian Country, he served on the Oneida Business Committee as Chairman for two terms in both 1995 and returned as Chairman in 2005. During his administration, Danforth pursued strengthening Indian gaming interests and economic development. Priorities set during his term included healthcare, higher education and Oneida language preservation. Long-term planning and building the economy that wasn’t reliant on gaming was a vision, as well as expanding communication between the government and the General Tribal Council.
Danforth retired from the United States Navy in 1994 as Force Master Chief of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and was a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm. The Oneida judiciary was also enhanced by his service as a judge.
He and his wife Pamela Johns Danforth spent many winter seasons in South Padre Island and enjoyed fishing most days. Family and friends were central to Jerry’s life, and he remained devoted to both throughout his years.
Danforth was a dedicated and honorable man – a person of courage and conviction, whose character was evidenced as a Navy Master Chief, as a member of Oneida’s judiciary, and as a two-term Chairman of the Oneida Nation. He was a loving husband and father and a caring and compassionate human being. His actions represented the best of Oneida’s values – his decisions always represented his commitment to the most critical challenges and his decisions were grounded in the best interests of the whole Nation. He will long be remembered and significantly missed.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. The veterans will give a final salute at 5:00pm. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing from 6:30pm to 7:00pm to bring the evening to a close. Visitation will continue Saturday at the Oneida Turtle School from 8:00am to 10:00am. Service begins at 10:00am, followed by military taps at Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds in Oneida.