Charles Harold Gerber

Charles Harold Gerber

August 11, 1938 - November 15, 2025

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Obituary

MIDDLETON - Charles H. Gerber, age 87, of Middleton, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on August 11, 1938, in Mount Horeb, the son of Justine (Jacob) Gruchow. He graduated from Middleton High in 1956.


Chuck was a devoted father and grandfather. He came from humble beginnings and built a life defined by hard work, integrity, and perseverance. In the early 1970s, he founded Gerber Leisure Products and grew it into the successful playground-equipment company that continues to operate in the Upper Midwest today.


Quiet by nature, Chuck had a calming presence that brought comfort to many. He was an avid world traveler, always eager for his next adventure, and of all his journeys, his visit to Antarctica remained his favorite. He also had a passion for cars and enjoyed having them throughout his life.


Chuck was deeply proud of his service to our country in the U.S. Army. He also took great pride in being part-owner of the Madison Muskies baseball team and a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers.


Charles is survived by his sister, Linda (Charles) Pater; daughter, Danielle (Kent) Lawson; grandchildren, Emily Lawson and Nicholas Lawson; several special nieces and nephews; and former spouse, Kathy Rosenow. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Gerber and Peter Gerber; and sisters, Patricia Legler and Betty Domine.


A funeral service will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, with Pastor Brian Ferguson presiding. Burial will take place at St. Luke's Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.
 

Memorials may be made to Crazy Horse Monument (Chuck was a long-time supporter of Crazy Horse). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Events

24
Visitation
Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
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24
Funeral Service
Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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Memories

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Charles
AG
A Memorial Tree was planted for Charles H. Gerber
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
SJ
Samantha Johnson
Other •
I grew up on the same court that Chuck lived - he always had the best play equipment - specifically an orange swing type equipment great core memories condolences to his family - Chuck defined my childhood! ❤️
WP
With Peace and Love from Gerber Leisure Products
Other •
Honoring Our Founder: Your Legacy Brings Joy to Every Child, Every Day.
BH
Bob Holling
Other •
I knew Chuck very well in his professional life having purchased many playground(s) from him when I was employed in my professional position. He was a pleasure to know and work with. He was simply a quality person. My condolences to his family .
DB
Don and Jane Bailey
Other •
Chuck was one of the best neighbors we’ve ever had. He will be greatly missed.
WN
Wendi Nofsinger
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Baseball in Madison. Who knew. Especially @ Warner Park. We Hold You Responsible for the Best Summers Ever. We Hold You Responsible for a bunch of Misfit Fans in Section J. We Hold You Responsible for the Many Players, On Both Sides, a Chance. Some even Made it. We Hold You Responsible for A Family to have a Night Out without worrying about taking out a Loan. We Hold You Responsible for the Many Friendships We still have since walking thru that Gate. We Hold You Responsible For, Baseball In Madison. #1 Muskie. Thank You Sir. Say Hi to Bob, Leon, Ronnie and Larry for Us.

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