Humphrey Jeremiah Lynch

Lynch, Humphrey J. "Jerry" MADISON-Humphrey J. "Jerry" Lynch entered the Kingdom of Heaven, on Friday, May 29, 2015. He passed away with family present at Oak Park Place in Madison. He was born on April 19, 1927, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, the son of Humphrey J. Lynch and Gretta A. Lynch. Jerry grew up on the east side of Madison. His parents raised him to be a devout Catholic and his strong faith guided him throughout his life. Jerry and family were members of St. Bernard Catholic Church where he attended grade school and was proud to be a mass server. While in grade school he acquired a passion for organized boxing where he earned the nickname "Jitterbug" from Father. Eggers for his constant movement in the ring. In addition to his strong faith, Jerry was taught important values from his parents. Family, kindness, generosity, compassion, justice and service to others guided Jerry throughout his life as a husband, father, grandparent, mentor to his nieces and nephews, friends and his career in law. Plus, Jerry was very proud of his Irish heritage. After graduating early from Edgewood High School in 1945, like so many of the "Greatest Generation," he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Berlin after the surrender, as a military policeman and an aide to Catholic chaplains. Upon honorary discharge, Jerry returned to Madison and enrolled at UW-Madison earning a degree in history. During this period he met his true love, Alyce A. Johnson. They married on Feb. 1, 1950. Both Jerry and Alyce were so happy when their first daughter, Geralyn was born, followed two years later with the arrival of their son, Humphrey "Joe." Both parents worked endlessly as parents and breadwinners. Jerry was also a father figure and integral part in the lives of his nieces and nephews: Colleen, Johni, Pat, Jim and Jerry. He earned his law degree in January, 1960 from the University of Wisconsin while working full-time, second shift at Madison Kipp. Jerry began his law career and eventually became a partner in the firm, Riley, Pierce, and Lynch. His early law career saw Jerry involved in a wide variety of areas, including a murder trial. He was proud of his service to clients and was also interested in politics. Jerry was a lifelong democrat and was involved in numerous campaigns at every level. He took his son, Joe and nephew Jerry campaigning door to door in Monona for John Kennedy in 1960. Other campaigns included Gaylord Nelson, Bob Kastenmeier, Bobby Kennedy, Pat Lucey and Dane County elections. In 1972, Jerry was elected as Dane County District Attorney and served two terms. There were many controversial cases during his tenure. His District Attorney's office cooperated with the State Attorney General's office and the U.S. Attorney's office in a successful guilty plea of the Sterling Hall bomber, Karl Armstrong. In 1976, he brought suit against legislators for violating the open meetings laws. After being defeated for re-election, Jerry was asked to serve as District Attorney for Lafayette County by Governor Martin Schreiber in 1977. Jerry and Alyce relocated to Darlington, Wis. He earned a reputation as a listener and someone who would do the right thing. Jerry's successful year on the job resulted in being asked to stay and run for a full term. He was elected to a full term and was subsequently re-elected every two years until his retirement in 1992. Jerry was one of the longest tenured District Attorneys in the history of Wisconsin. During their years in Darlington, Jerry and Alyce were active in the Holy Rosary Parish and were active members in the Lafayette County Shamrock Club. Jerry and Alyce worked endlessly for Democratic candidates in collaboration with their friends and neighbors. Upon his retirement, Jerry was feted by the local bar association. He was most proud that during his law career whether he served as a prosecutor or defender, he strived for justice and fairness in the legal system. After retirement, Jerry and Alyce devoted their time to family. They loved to travel and took special joy in taking the grandchildren to Walt Disney World and the special trip around Lake Superior. For several years they were snowbirds in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. In 2004, Jerry and Alyce returned to Dane County. A huge void came when Jerry's beloved Alyce died. He had cared for her lovingly until 2007. Jerry carried on as best he could until his own health gradually faded. He continued to follow the news, expressing his views succinctly. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Geralyn (Roger) Slack of Stoughton; son, Humphrey "Joe" (Ann) of Mukwonago; six grandchildren, Sheryl (Justin) Barak, Shane Spensley, Alycia Slack, Greta (Casey Wachniak) Slack and John and Cecelia Lynch; sister-in-law, Helen Johnson; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce; parents; brother, Richard Lynch; and sister, Mary Catherine McCann. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2015, with Father Michael Radowicz and Father James Pribek concelebrating. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare and Southern Poverty Law Center. The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place, Azura Memory Care in Stoughton, St. Mary's Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420