MADISON - Gerald (Jerry) Francis Hoddinott, age 84, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on November 29, 1941, in Markesan, Wis., the son of Francis and Florence (Elvers) Hoddinott.

Jerry graduated from Markesan High School in 1959 and later earned his degree from Ripon College in Economics. He entered the Army during this time in college and achieved the rank of Captain. After meeting on a blind date, he married Alana (Lani) Worzalla on April 29, 1967, in Stevens Point, to whom he was married for 59 loving years.

Jerry worked as a Personnel Director for the Department of Revenue, retiring in 2000. He was a talented public speaker and an active member of several organizations, including IPMA-HR for 50 years, the Lions Club for more than 50 years, St. Maria Goretti Council for three years, and the Madison USBC Bowling Association for 20 years. Throughout his involvement, he held numerous leadership positions and dedicated countless hours of service to these organizations.

Jerry was a gifted bowler, achieving a perfect 300 game. He was a gregarious individual and enjoyed dinners with family and friends, playing cards, golf, softball, visiting casinos, and trying his luck with the lottery. He treasured fishing trips to Canada with his sons and brother-in-law, Russ. Jerry loved driving and especially looked forward to his annual family trips: camping in St. Germain and driving the entire family to Sarasota, Florida. He was an excellent dancer and cherished traveling with Lani. Together, they enjoyed several cruises and seeking “good trouble” with their dear friends, the Thiels and the Schraders. Jerry was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended Mass and enjoyed gathering for pizza afterward on Saturday evenings with his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lani; children, Kelley Grover, Kim Snyder, Krieg (Mary) Hoddinott and Kurt (Jennifer) Hoddinott; grandchildren, Alli, Carly, Kevin, Stephen, Brian, Brad, Tyler, Abigail and Cameron; his cat, Sophie; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Katie Snyder; sister, Carol Kesich; brother, Gary Hoddinott; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Natalie and Russ Streveler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, with the Rev. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Gerald F Hoddinott

November 29, 1941 - May 31, 2026

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