Gerald Lee Rodefeld
March 29, 1945 - June 26, 2024
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE - Gerald “Jerry” Rodefeld was born on March 29, 1945, to Donald and Dorothy Rodefeld. He was raised on a farm in the community of Hope. Jerry did chores and milked cows in the landmark round barn across from the house on Highway AB. He attended Hope School, a one-room elementary school until it merged with Cottage Grove Elementary, and after graduation he attended Madison East High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1967 with a degree in Meat and Animal Science. From 1968-70, Jerry was a member of the U.S. Army serving in Budingen, Germany, as a medical technician.
Jerry owned and operated a ServiceMaster franchise in Watertown, Wis., for a decade. Later, he joined with family members to form New Hope Farms in the Cottage Grove area. In later years, he worked at DRG Medical Packaging and the Monona Grove School District as the Transportation Supervisor. He loved to travel and enjoyed driving a motor coach for Meister Travel Company on trips across the country.
After his retirement, he stayed active volunteering for 15 years at the Vilas Zoo, as an Engineer driving the train. In addition, he was a member of the S-Gauge Wisconsin Model Train Club, a Director of the Cottage Grove Area Historical Society, a Director of the Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery Association and a founding member of the Buck's Only Hunting Club for 66 years. A life-long member of Hope Lutheran Church, Jerry was a friend and helper to all and a proud husband, father, and grandfather.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynn (Blackman) Rodefeld; son, Mark (Renee) Rodefeld; daughter, Amy (Chris) Jimieson; grandchildren, Alexa Rodefeld, Sage Rodefeld, and Myles Jimieson; siblings, Jane Rudie (Noel), Daryl Rodefeld and Susan Opheim (Dennis); and many nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Rodefeld; and five siblings, Lois, Dean, Richard, Jean and Beverly; and a nephew, Christian.
A memorial service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at church. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
The family would like to give appreciation to Dr. Steven Siewert, Dr. Ryan Porter, the IR team at St. Mary’s and the nurses and doctors for their exceptional care of Jerry over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, Wis, 53558. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420