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MADISON - Gerald Roger “Gerry” Shields, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at his home. He was born on January 31, 1937, in Rockford, Ill., the son of the late Raymond and Velma (Brace) Shields.

Gerald graduated from West Rockford High School with the class of 1954. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 until 1957. As part of the Navigation and Signaling crew, he spent the majority of his time aboard aircraft carriers Yorktown, WASP and Shangrala in the Pacific fleet. On October 20, 1962, Gerry married Ruth Ann (Lyford) Shields in Argyle, Ill.

Gerry attended management level banking schools at Southern Illinois University, the University of Oklahoma and the Graduate School of Banking at UW-Madison. From 1959 until 1961 he was a realtor, and from 1962 until 1994 he worked in the commercial banking industry and ascended to become Senior Officer of several banks. He also taught multiple classes under the American Institute of Banking and provided training to bank staffs in Milwaukee and Madison. After retirement, Gerry served as associate director of the Mendota Gridiron Club. From 1995 until 2003, he preached the gospel of Wisconsin football throughout Wisconsin and Illinois, a true labor of love. He was truly devoted to all things Wisconsin Badgers.

In his free time, Gerry enjoyed golf, golf and more golf. He was a member of several clubs in the Milwaukee area and Rio Verde, Ariz., starting in 1977. He was also an active member of the Blackhawk County Club, serving as a board member and President. Most recently, he was a member of the Lake Wisconsin Country Club.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; daughters, Christine (Joe) Kann and Carin (Andrew) Rabas; grandchildren, Elynn (David) Sanchez, Rebecca (Josh Newman) Kann, Anthony Rabas, Ryan Rabas and Nicole Rabas; great-grandchildren, Arthur and Penelope Sanchez; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Velma; sister, Sally Shields; father and mother-in-law, Russell and Marjorie Lyford; and brother-in-law, Garelt Stahl.

A memorial service will be held at Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral and Cremation Care, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with the Rev. Sandra Schieble presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and also from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials in Gerry’s name may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Gerald Roger Shields

January 31, 1937 - July 13, 2025

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