Gerald "Jerry" Engelhart

Engelhart, Gerald “Jerry” MADISON- Gerald “Jerry” Engelhart, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, surrounded by love. He was born on Dec. 26, 1934, one of ten children of Herbert and Lorena Engelhart. Jerry grew up on a farm on the out skirts of Madison. In 1952 Jerry graduated from West High School. He briefly served in the US Navy. Upon his father’s death in 1960, Jerry and his brothers, Rich and Jim took over the H.M. Engelhart Construction Company. To supplement their income in the winter, the Engelhart Center was started in 1968. With the success of selling snowmobiles, Jerry left the construction company and in 1972, moved the Engelhart Center to its current location, growing the company into a multi-line motorcycle, snowmobile, and lawn and garden dealership. Jerry personally took care of many of the dealership customers and was a tremendous mentor and leader to many who knew him. He was a man of great honor and integrity in business and in life. Jerry was a member of Southside Rotary and received the honor of Paul Harris Fellow. He was a man of great faith who had a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior. Jerry had an uncommon quiet faith, reading his bible every day, and prayed for his family, friends and employees. He was also an avid golfer, never missing an opportunity for a tee time. Jerry is survived by his loving wife and soul mate for over 30 years, Ramona “Mona” (Erickson) Engelhart; children, Dale, Vickie (Dave) Zimmer, Jon (Tricia), and Jean; grandchildren, Matthew Engelhart, Anna Keaton, Amanda and Samantha Zimmer, Bryce, Taylor and Jared Engelhart, Talon and Cameron Brandsma; great-grandchildren, Dahlton and Parker; brothers and sisters, Rich, Phyllis Henshue, Shirley (Charles) Dirienzo, Jim (Nancy), Carol (Phil) Overton, Bill (Karen), and Chuck (Shirley); brothers-in-law, Jerome Lemanski and Clair Dirienzo; and his faithful friend and companion, Rozie, with whom he shared all of his food. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Patricia Lemanski and Mary Dirienzo; sister-in-law, Arlene Engelhart; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Laverne Henshue. Memorial Services will be held at HIGHPOINT CHURCH, 7700 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Immediately following the service, there will be a catered luncheon at the church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Dr., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or to a charity of donor’s choice. Jerry’s family would like to thank all of the Agrace staff for their loving, compassionate care of Jerry and his family. “Jerry, you are loved and you will be deeply missed.” Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608)442-5002