Gerald C Wallen
November 07, 1925 - June 12, 2019
Obituary
JANESVILLE-Gerald Carlton “Jerry” Wallen left life on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, after a long decline following a stoke in 1989. He was born in River Falls on Nov. 7, 1925 and was raised by his mother and grandparents. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and remained in the River Falls area until he graduated from the UW-River Falls.
Although a quiet man by nature, Jerry’s passion for life was exemplified by his love of music, respect for nature and sportsmanship, expert craftsmanship and curiosity with all things new and different. He taught both applied music and applied sciences in various public-school systems until his retirement in 1985, after 37 years of service to his students. In retirement, he continued to dedicate his life to volunteer services including more than 50 years with amateur radio (receiving awards too numerous to mention), and more than 30 years with the Janesville Senior Center Band. He also loved sport fishing and hunting with both bow and rifle.
Jerry is survived by his children, Donald Wallen and Nancy Knodle; his second wife, Ellen; grandchildren, Amy, Rebecca and Jared; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Jackson, Lexie and Madison; and various in-laws. Internment will take place next to his mother and first wife, Rebecca, who preceded him in death in 1972.
Friends are welcome to celebrate his life by attending any of the weekly Friday dances at the Janesville Senior Center where he played for so many years. A small memorial display will be in place at the Friday dance on June 28, 2019.
Please send any memorial gifts to your favorite local charity or to the Blue Velvet Orchestra, c/o Janesville Senior Center, 69 S. Water St., Janesville, WI 53545. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
CL
Cheryl Licary
Other •
Ellen, I'm sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was so kind and encouraging during my first years of teaching at Roosevelt (I'm so happy he met you there!), and it was wonderful connecting with him and you once again playing in the Blue Velvet Band. I'm sorry that I can't be there on the 28th, I have a dr. appointment I couldn't adjust at UW in Madison. Jerry had my email, hope we can communicate more that way. bmhschoir at att dot net
GJ
Gay Jack
Other •
So sorry for your loss. He lived a good life and found ways to keep active playing in the band. I see a lot of him in Jackson. It will be fun to see where he goes in life.
Gay & Tim Jack
JC
Janet Campbell
Other •
Ellen you have my deepest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
DR
Denny Rybicke
Other •
73, OT. -- K9LGU and all your friends from the section nets.
PK
Paul Leo Kelly
Other •
Ellen, Don and Nancy-- We the remaining children of Esther and Leo Kelly of River Falls, WI wish to
extend to you our sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss of our dear, dear Gerald!
Peter, Paul & Mary Kelly (Webster)
TF
Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Gerald Wallen. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on October 8, 2011.