Gerald Francis Zeier
January 26, 1929 - April 20, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Gerald F. “Jerry” Zeier, age 92, died on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, after a recent decline in health. A lifelong east sider, he was born on Jan. 26, 1929, the eighth of nine children, to Martin and Julie (Steigerwald) Zeier.
Always a sport enthusiast, Jerry enjoyed golf and bowling and watching any game with his sons and grandson. His greatest sport moment was being part of the Big Ten UW 150# football team co-champions in 1947 and 1948.
Jerry was stationed in Washington as a radar technician in the U.S. Army. He married his beautiful wife, Joan Freilinger, in 1951. Upon completing his service in the military, he returned to Madison and joined his brother, Norb, in the family business, Zeier Bldg. Co., which lasted until his retirement.
It was on a job site that they were approached by a young Father Niglas asking them to help found his new parish, St. Dennis Catholic Church. They built the rectory and an addition to the school. Jerry was a faithful and active member for over 60 years always working the festival, many committees, including financial, planning of the new church, and RCIA. Jerry was a tenor with St. Bernard's Catholic Church until COVID.
Jerry is survived by his sister, Betty Bayley; and children, Ellyn (Donnie) Campbell, Ed (Sherry), Richard (Bonita), Tim, Neil, Beth (Gene Williams), Janet (Denny) Braatz, Bob (Laura Erickson) and Nancy (Doug) Schwenn; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren, with two on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joan, in 2015; daughter-in-law, Rita; and grandson, Derek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Jerry’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. A graveside service will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating blood to the American Red Cross. Jerry surpassed 10 gallons of giving. Please be generous to Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care they have provided our family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Fr. Michael Radowicz
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Even though Jerry was a devoted member of St. Dennis, I will always remember his many kindnesses to me and to St. Bernard, where he sang with our adult choir for many years. He was an important part of the group! He will be missed. We join our prayers together with Jerry's family and the parishioners of St. Dennis as we ask the Lord to grant Jerry the fullness of eternal glory. We give thanks for the good heart Jerry had and his devotion to our Lord and the Church for his entire life. With love and sympathy, Fr. Michael & Parishioners of St. Bernard, Madison
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Mary Lee Rossmaessler
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My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Zeier family. I knew Jerry (and Joan) from St. Dennis. Jerry had a great sense of humor and was a kind man.
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Bonita Zeier
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Shared a photo.
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Bonita Zeier
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Jerry Zeier is my Father-in-law, and I am married to his son Richard. I am very thankful for God's gift of my in-laws, Jerry & Joan. They were true believers . . . faithful, loving, creative and really fun! I can't remember a time when Jerry didn't have a smile on his face and he was like that from the first time I met him to the last time I saw him. I will miss him, but I "believe" that I will see him again. Thanks be to God! Bonita Zeier
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shirley gulvik
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To Ed, Sherry and family we send our deepest condolences. Also to the Zeier family. Peace to all. Sincerely, Shirley Gulvik family
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Raymond Boerke
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Our condolences and prayers to Tim, Neil and all the members of the Zeier family. May you find strength in our Lord and forever cherish the fond memories of your father/grandfather.