Gerald "Gerry" J. Ring

MADISON - Gerald J. “Gerry” Ring, age 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at his home in Maple Bluff. He was born on October 6, 1928, to John G. and Mabel S. (Rau) Ring at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He attended St. Norbert’s Grade School in Roxbury, St. Patrick’s Grade School in Madison and East High School in Madison.

Gerry met the love of his life, Armella Dohm, in Sun Prairie where they both worked at the canning factory. They were married on August 20, 1949, at Sacred Heart Church in Sun Prairie until her passing in 2011. In a testament to his love for Armella, he left us to join her on her birthday.

Gerry and Armella had three sons, Michael (Judy), James (Lora) and Joseph (Christen). Gerry was a dedicated father and grandfather. He never missed any events in which his children or grandchildren were participating. He was a dedicated supporter of Edgewood Campus and High Schools, which his children and grandchildren attended. He was one of the founders of the Edgewood High School boy’s hockey program, which started in 1974.

Gerry served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed at Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, Va. and was an aviation supply instructor. Gerry worked for many years at Sub-Zero Freezer Company before starting his own business, Parkwood Hills Corporation and later, Park Towne Development Corporation, with his brother-in-law, Gerard Dohm.

Gerry and Gerard were instrumental in the development of what was then Madison’s far west side. In 1965, they purchased the land between Cuna Mutual and the new Madison Memorial High School and developed the 420-lot residential development known as Parkwood Hills. In 1969, they purchased a 182-acre farm located across Gammon Road from what was then the new West Towne Mall and developed the commercial area along Odana Road that is now known as Park Towne.

Gerry was a lifelong community supporter and philanthropist, serving on countless boards over the years. He was on the Madison Chamber of Commerce board, including time as chairman. He was on the boards of the Madison Community Foundation and Catholic Charities. He served on many committees that focused on improving the community. In what he considered his greatest achievement in his community work, he, along with Joe Tisserand and Brian Cain, led the development of the All Saints Senior Living Campus, located on Madison’s west side.

Gerry was also heavily involved in the credit union movement. He was instrumental in establishing the Sub-Zero Credit Union and served on its board for 69 years from its inception. He served as a director of the Wisconsin League of Credit Unions, CUNA Mutual Insurance Society, and the World Council of Credit Unions, among others. He was the youngest board member to serve as a director of Cuna Mutual, rising to chairman of the board.

Gerry was a life-long fan of auto racing. Shortly after getting married, he met someone while working at Sub-Zero who was looking for a driver for his stock car. Gerry said he could drive it, even though he had never been in a race car or even a go-kart. He raced for one full season before going into the Marine Corps. During that racing season, there were several “powder puff” races where wives of the drivers or other ladies could race. Armella drove his car in those races. She was an aggressive driver and took second place in one of the races. After returning from his service in the Marine Corps, his love of racing remained. His favorite race to watch was the Indy 500, which he attended several times. He also spent many Sunday nights with his sons at the midget auto races at Angel Park in Sun Prairie, which was located adjacent to Armella’s childhood home.

Gerry was an avid pilot. He earned his pilot’s license in 1960 and continued to fly into his mid-80s. He owned several small airplanes during his lifetime and flew his family to many summer vacations across the United States over the years. His love of flying transferred to his sons. Mike and Jim are also pilots and his grandson, Aaron, is working on his license.

Gerry and Armella loved to spend time in northern Wisconsin. They had a cabin on a lake north of Antigo. They enjoyed entertaining friends up at the lake. Gerry spent countless hours on the lake taking Armella, and later the grandkids, from place to place to fish. He also spent countless hours cleaning the fish they caught.

Gerry was preceded in death by his father and mother; sisters, Virginia Payne and Fern Spangler; and brother, Carol; and his wife, Armella. He is survived by his sons, Mike, Jim and Joe; daughters-in-law, Judy, Lora and Christen; and grandchildren, Andree, Ashley, Aaron, Michelle, Nicole, Carolyn, Natalie and Rebecca.

The family would like to thank Mary Ann Dailey, Moira Harrington and Melody Hermanson for the great care they provided Gerry, which allowed him to spend his final days at home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with the Rev. Monsignor Dan Ganshert presiding. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and at 10 a.m. prior to Mass at St. Peter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gerry’s name be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420