John Gerl

BLACK EARTH - John Marshal Gerl, age 70, passed away peacefully and surrounded by immediate family on Monday, April 26, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare after a courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 24, 1950, to Albert Gerl Sr. and Virginia (Northcutt) Gerl but spent most of his life in the Madison area. He was “John” to his wife, “Johnny” to many family and friends, “Dad” to his children, “Pappy” to his grandchildren, and beloved to almost all who knew him. After graduating high school from La Folette, John attended UW-Stevens Point for two years and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for two years as a field radio operator, achieving the rank of Corporal (E-4), Marine of the Month, Honorable Discharge, and Meritorious Mast for his dedicated service to his country. He met Sharon Krantz prior to serving, fell in love, and they married June 16, 1973, after he returned home from his service. Together they raised two children, Sarah and Zachary, and in his later years enjoyed two grandchildren. He worked many jobs, including his very first at the A&W root beer stand in Monona, where he met his wife. He worked longest at Datex Ohmeda (GE Healthcare), also serving as union representative and making lives better for workers with his strong negotiation skills. He spent much of his life working two jobs to make sure his family had everything they needed. He developed so many friendships along the way. John was a very special kind of person with amazing inner strength, endeared to almost all who met him. He worked hard and played hard. He could light up a room, bring comfort, calm you, give you the shirt off his back, make you laugh, even make you mad at times with his stubborn nature. He had more common sense and insight than almost anyone. He loved fishing, hunting, spending time with friends and family, and in his later years, just enjoying nature - watching deer, birds, rabbits, and any of God’s other creatures. He wanted only love and joy in life, never possessions, and was always generous with his time and money. If he received something, he wanted to share it with others. He is survived in death by his loving family, including his wife, Sharon; daughter, Sarah (Eric) Marcoe; son, Zachary; grandchildren, Emerson and Ellery; brothers, Albert Jr. and Brian; sister, Jennifer; dog, Gilligan; and many, many friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Anthony and Michael; nephew, Scott; and niece Yvette. A private family service will be held. Friends and family who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit John’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Pine Bluff. A public visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, only 60 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time. Social distancing and face masks are required. His family would like to thank his excellent UW Health doctors, who gave him extra time, and all the wonderful hospice nurses and caregivers who made the end of his life more comfortable. Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of a donation to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761