Gerald W. Tollefsrud

MADISON -Gerald W. Tollefsrud, age 82, of Madison, passed away peacefully with family at his side, at Agrace HospiceCare on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. Jerry was born on July 24, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minn., son of Ole and Louise (Wilson) Tollefsrud. He grew up in Everett, Wash., and graduated from University of Washington in 1954. He spent his summers playing baseball in Black River Falls and served as a lieutenant in the army from 1955-1957. He worked in marketing and forecasting as a demographer for GTE for 33 years, living in Wisconsin, Indiana and Connecticut throughout his career. Jerry had a quick wit and great sense of humor that carried with him to the end. He loved talking sports, was always on top of the college recruits and calling his friends from out of state when their teams made news. He was a history buff, with extraordinary research into all angles of WWII. A big band jazz aficionado, particularly fond of Stan Kenton’s music, he thoroughly enjoyed watching the Madison Jazz Orchestra and Madison Mellophonium Orchestra, rarely missing any gigs. Jerry will fondly be remembered as an inspiration to others, living one day at a time for the past 34 years. He truly lived in the present, and demonstrated this ability in all facets of his life. He touched the lives of countless people through his experiences and life lessons, and will be deeply missed. Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Jeryn (Michael) Veserat, of Monona, and Joelle (Ralph) Kolius, of Frederick, Md; and four grandchildren, Hogan, Olivia, Kiley and Trenton. A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Monday, Oct. 29. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Monday, Oct. 29.