Gerry John Luer

This is the story of my Dad. I often joke about being the mailman’s daughter. My dad worked as a Letter Carrier in Madison, Wisconsin for over 38 years. He truly enjoyed his job and often walked his route. He did so in order to meet and talk with people; his customers - who in return would send letters to the post office telling stories of something nice he had done for them or of a time he had gone out of his way to ensure packages and letters were delivered dry and on time. Dad received several customer service awards – I found one dating back to 1964. At Christmas time, Dad would come home with bags and boxes of homemade treats that his customers had left for him. To this day, I still leave a little something in the mailbox for our letter carrier. In the winter, Dad would come home with chapped hands and fingers – he would not wear gloves because it made it difficult to handle and deliver the mail. Before bed, he would lather his hands with Vaseline and put socks over them – to get a bit of relief. Later in life, I took Dad to a Badger Football Game – it was cold – he wouldn’t put gloves on telling me that his hands were not cold. I have to wonder if he had suffered frostbite so many times that he had no feeling left in his hands. Dad also received Safe Driver Awards year after year along with perfect attendance awards. I found these tucked away in drawer. The next time my husband comments on how I drive like an old lady – I will have to correct him because apparently, I drive like my old man. In addition, I have stumbled across several awards my Dad received from the Post Office for making suggestions on ways to improve his job and practices – when these suggestions were implemented, a Certificate of Award was handed out – an official commendation and appreciation for contributing a beneficial suggestion. Dad often worked two jobs, sometimes three. He picked up and delivered newspapers for Madison Newspaper Company. If I remember correctly, they housed both the Wisconsin State Journal and the Capital Times at that time. Sometimes on Sunday mornings, I would get up very early and grab a blanket and pillow and climb into the truck and go with my Dad. I slept most of the time, but then we would go out to breakfast and drive through the car lots looking at cars. Dad loved looking at cars. As a teenager and young adult, my Dad was Ski Jumper – the Chetek Flyers, I think. Dad often received the award for most graceful. I came across a framed piece of paper stating that Gerry Luer (spelling his name as Gary) was a duly qualified contestant in the National Junior Ski Jumping Championship in Duluth Minnesota, dated February 14, 1954 – handed out by the National Ski Association of America. Apparently, Dad tied for 45th place with 170.6 points. Dad kept all of his medals and awards, along with his wooden skis…and his boots….which are currently propped up in a corner of my living room. When I was little, I remember Dad putting me on his shoulders and going for a bike ride. I would hold on to his forehead sometimes covering his eyes with my hands – thinking it was quite funny that he could not see. I am not sure how we made it home without any scrapes and bruises, or bumps on the head…but we always did. Could you imagine doing that today? There are so many things that I have learned about my Dad in the last couple of days…..and so many things I learned from him in the last 48 years. Look at the big picture; this is the most interesting world I have ever lived in; always remember that 50% of doctors graduated in the lower half of their class; and most of all, life is full of puns. Rest peacefully Daddy. We will meet up again…someday. I love you.

To the family and friends of Gerry Luer, I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I am truly sorry for the lost that your family is feeling. When ever we lose such a caring and loving person, it is the hardest thing that any of us can go thru. And because of that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. During this extremely difficult time, please turn to God for comfort and support. He promise to give your family the strength needed in order to endure this great lost. (2 Corinthians 1:3.4) Something else that can bring your family comfort is cherishing the wonderful memories that you have of Mr. Gerry. These precious memories will console the family in the day's ahead.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Garys family and friends at this time of your loss. I had the privilege of knowing Gary when we both worked for the PO and you couldn't find a better human being. Always a smile, a kind word and his special trait of stuttering. Our loss but surely heaven's gain.

Katy, Your tribute to your dad is wonderful. It sounds like you shared a special bond that you will always carry with you. You, your mom and your family are in thoughts and prayers. Sue Fay

My mother, ( Gloria Luer, daughter of Guy Luer, Fred's brother ) always had a soft spot in her heart and told me many stories of Fred. Sorry to here of Gerry's passing. Love, John Olson.