Gerald (Jerry) E. Salo
November 13, 1937 - November 24, 2014
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Gerald (Jerry) E. Salo, age 77, passed away on November 24, 2014. He was born November 13, 1937 at home in Superior, to his Finnish immigrant parents, Charles (Kalle Haapasalo) Salo and Linda (Tikkanen) Salo. He attended Superior Central High School and was twice elected class president. He graduated in 1955. He held both bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. His 37-year career as a high school social studies teacher began in Crystal Falls, Michigan, and led him to Butternut-Glidden, Wisconsin, and Merrill, Wisconsin. He then moved to the Madison area and taught for 30 years at Middleton High School. The Bassett Award for Excellence in Education was presented to him in 1985.
On September 29, 1973, he married Lisbeth Lochen. Jerry was a devoted husband and father who always placed family first. He was a gifted storyteller who was fiercely proud of his Finnish heritage and incorporated that ethnic flavor into the delivery of many stories and jokes. He was also a die-hard fan of the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, Scrabble, and crossword puzzles.
Survivors include his wife, Lisbeth, daughters Amanda (Robert) Perry of Downers Grove, Illinois and Kathryn of Atlanta, Georgia, granddaughter Kayla Perry, sister Linda (Dale) Weatherford of Paramount, California, and brother Charles (Cathy) of Superior, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Linda Salo, Town of Lakeside, his sister Norma (Albert) Kokkonen of Cambridge and his sister Martha (Patrick) Campbell of Green Bay.
The family would like to thank Jerry’s personal physician, Dr. Kelly Herold, and the countless medical professionals he met at UW Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital for their knowledgeable and compassionate care. Jerry's recent health challenges have made us all very much aware of what a difference you make in our lives.
A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 1 PM to 4 PM on Friday, November 28, 2014, where an informal service will begin at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Celebration of Life
Fri Nov 28, 2014 @ 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
J
J.S.
Other •
Mr Salo was my teacher in 1979-1980. I Still have a great interest in World Studies today. Rest in Peace, Mr Salo.
JP
Jim Perala
Other •
Jerry was a special person........he was Jeannne's high school social studies teacher and Jim's room mate and fellow teacher in Butternut. He was an usher in our wedding in 1966 and has been a special friend over the years. He will always be remembered............especially for his great ability to tell jokes and entertain those around him.
Our sincere sympathy to Liz and all the family.
Love, Jim and Jeanne Perala
VC
Vanessa Chesko
Other •
I am so sorry for this huge loss to the Salo family. My heart hurts for all of yall. I only had the honor of meeting Mr. Salo once, but I can see what a wonderful man he was through the life of his daughter, Katie. I can't help but cry just thinking about the pain you are going through right now. I am praying for all of yall. I love you, KS.
KM
Kathy McQuillan
Other •
Mr. Salo was a teacher of mine at Middleton HS. And the thing I remember most was he always had a friendly hi for everyone. Yes he was a good teacher but most importantly a nice person. Condolences to the Salo family. Kathy (Sjoquist) McQuillan
JL
Jason Losen
Other •
Mr. Salo was my favorite teacher. I can distinctly remember so many of his stories and his lectures. Some of my favorites include his singing of sixteen tons, reading about Scandinavian history, and threatening to 'sit' on whatever class clown interrupted his class. What I did not know then, that I do know now with my disabled son, is that many of his teachings went well beyond textbooks and how you manage the less than perfect realities of life through humor and love. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family for your loss. Just know, that I always saw him in each of you. Thank you Mr. Salo for sharing a bit of your wonderful life with me.
Jason Losen, Class of 1998
DS
Dan Simms
Other •
Jerry truly was a great American, human being, educator, story-teller, family man, friend and Finn. Mr. Salo knew "Ole and Lena" better than anyone. I cherish the memory of my class with him at MHS in 1969. We all aspire to "make a difference" and few people accomplish in life the level of success that he did. Jerry's wit, wisdom and friendship hold very special places in the hearts of the entire Simms Family. RIP, Gerry . . . you will be missed! Our sincerest condolences to the Salo Family.