Gerald Vigdal
April 22, 1941 - December 04, 2011
Obituary
MADISON-Gerald “Jerry” Vigdal, age 70, of Madison, passed away after a courageous and humorous battle against Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on April 22, 1941, in Beloit, the son of Otto and Violet (Kopplin) Vigdal. He graduated from Lomira High School in 1959. Jerry joined the military at the age of 18, and was stationed in Germany from 1959 until 1961. He graduated with a B.A. from UW-Oshkosh, and went on to receive his master’s degree in social work from UW-Madison in 1962. He married Dorrie Lundquist on Aug. 7, 1987. Jerry was employed by the Department of Corrections as a social worker at the Waupun Correctional Institution, a probation and parole agent/supervisor, and was responsible for the development and implementation of Alcohol and Drug Programming statewide for correctional clients for 22 years. He raised two children with his first wife, Barbara (Willie) Crockett. Following retirement, Jerry was a national consultant on correctional issues. He was a member of Madison Sports Car Club, Sierra Club, and Ducks Unlimited. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, and spending time at the family cabin and deer shack, whom he built with his best friend, Howie. He enjoyed many years of vintage racing. Jerry was a kind, loving, gentle and generous man. He was known to have a quick and dry sense of humor. He loved his family dearly. Jerry is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dorrie; children, Gregory John (Amy), and Katherine Elizabeth (Greg) Vigdal-Olson; grandchildren, Ashlee, Emma, Devin, Brady, Benjamin, and Hope; step-daughter, Tracy Murov; step-grandson, Isaac Scott; two brothers; four sisters; and niece, Cheryl Vigdal (Ann). He was preceded in death by his parents; and parents-in-law. Funeral services will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, with the Rev. Josh Ehrler presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Building Fund and Special Olympics in Madison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Building Fund and Special Olympics in Madison.
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.
Funeral services will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, with the Rev. Josh Ehrler presiding.
Events
There are no events for Gerald yet.
Photos
No photos of Gerald have been shared yet.
Memories
NG
Neighbors of Katie and Greg
Other •
Katie and family- We are sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We're with you in thought and prayer!
Your neighbors
MM
Mel Morgenbesser
Other •
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Social Work,UW-Madison, please accept our condolences on Jerry's passing. He clearly made many contributions to the field criminal justice, which remains an important part of our program today.
On a personal note, I appreciated you noting that Jerry's battle with Alzheimer's had a humorous component. During my father's battle with AD there were more than a few funny and humorous moments - some of which he,could recognize despite the disease.
The School will note Jerry's passing and his career in our next alumni newsletter.
Mel Morgenbesser
Alumni Relations and Development
School of Social Work
University of Wisconsin-Madison
L1
Lomira High School Class of 1959
Other •
The Lomira High School Class of 1959 would like to express our condolences to Gerry's family. We will treasure our memories of him during those high school years. At our 2009 50th Reunion, Gerry reminisced his years following graduation. We were impressed with his courage and many accomplishments. He will be in our thoughts and our prayers.
JE
Jim and Jan Enfelt
Other •
We remember Jerry fondly. I spent four memorable years in HS with Jerry and my wife attended UW-Oshkosh with him for 2 years. We managed contact for a few years after HS. Eventually we drifted apart. We both have great memories of Jerry's enthusiasm, his sense of humor, his sense of adventure and his commitment to family and friends. As a retired Police Chief, I know that Jerry was highly respected in his profession.
We offer condolences to family and friends.
Jim Enfelt
TK
Tammy Knutson
Other •
Thoughts and prayers to Katie and family during this difficult time. May your memories help heal your pain.
WU
William 'Umphy' Unferth
Other •
I remember Jerry well from our days at Lomira High School. After graduation, I only saw Jerry at the High School reunions, with the last one being the 50th. I know he was a big Packer fan, and if my memory is correct he finally got Packer season tickts. He will be missed. Hopefully he will run into his good friend Bill Heimerl who passed away some years ago.