WAUNAKEE - Jessie Lou Gasser, 91, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Waunakee. She was born on May 10, 1934, in Watertown, the only child of Louis and Jessie (Iotte) Freiling.

Jessie Lou married Donald Gasser on October 24, 1953; he preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by sons, Kevin (Marsha Lashley), Stephen (Ann Schroeder), Donald and their families; as well as her brother-in-law, Richard Wigdal; good friend and neighbor, Alice Schmitz; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Raised mainly in Downtown Madison-notably on West Mifflin and West Gilman-Jessie Lou was a proud 1952 graduate of Madison Central High School, and a long time East Sider. Occupationally, she served as an administrative assistant with a number of organizations, including a 30-year career in the Madison Metropolitan School District at Schenk/Whitehorse Middle School. She and Don were among the first to buy a condominium at the Stratford of Westshire Village and developed many friendships there through the years. She remembered fondly the several years after retirement when she and Don would winter in Nevada.

Jessie Lou was a long-time member of St. Stephen’s ELCA in Monona and the Madison Elks Club, a skilled knitter who enjoyed knitting hats for infants born at Meriter Hospital, and a huge fan of the UW Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Finally, she just really enjoyed family time, especially visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We are grateful for the kind, gentle and skilled circle of care she received from her Agrace HospiceCare team and the staff at Waunakee Valley Senior Living. A private funeral was held with burial at Highland Memory Gardens.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Food Pantry or Agrace. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Jessie Lou Gasser

May 10, 1934 - January 24, 2026

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