Obituary: Gerald “Jerry” Lee Elgersma, age 65

by Jim Dittmann
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Gerald “Jerry” Lee Elgersma, age 65 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at UW-Hospital in Madison on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.

Jerry was born on September 15, 1952 in Portage, the son of Melvin and Ruth (Cuff) Elgersma. He worked at John Deere in Horicon before moving to Tomah for a couple years, then relocating back to Beaver Dam. Jerry had a passion for his family, daughters and grandkids. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed the outdoors and loved to feed the squirrel that often came up to his door. Jerry had the most humble spirit and would go without so he was never a burden to others. He couldn’t wait for family get-togethers and the big Elgersma Family Reunions, where you would find him taking pictures of everyone. Jerry was a very spiritual man, who loved the Lord with all his heart. You would never hear Jerry speak badly of another; he was just a quiet guy who loved to pull pranks and jokes on others and reminisce of past times. Occasionally, you’d find him outside digging for a bug or spider to look at under the microscope, as he was always intrigued by God’s creation.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Jenelle (Robert) Ritter, Gena (Scott) Winter and Jana Elgersma; grandchildren, Matthew Hussli, Tanner Ritter, Evan and Ian Winter, Lydia and Lyla Elgersma; his mother, Ruth Elgersma; siblings, Christine (Jim Slagle) Vande Kolk, Steven (Kathy) Elgersma, Cena (Alan) Kamphuis, Barbara Vant Hoff, David (Heidi) Elgersma, and Gregory Elgersma; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Melvin; sister Mary Ann Agnew; brother James Elgersma; and other relatives.

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Silver Lake Cemetery, Portage.

A memorial in Jerry’s name has been established.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com

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