Gerald W. "Jerry" Buss

MADISON-Gerald W. “Jerry” Buss, age 81, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, at The Arbors in his favorite chair watching television. He was born on October 13, 1931, in the town of Greenwood, the son of Carl and Esther Edna (Lewin) Buss. Jerry attended Withee High School and liked to brag that he lettered in every sport as it took the entire high school to field a football team. He married Shirley Pope and they later divorced. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force wanting to be an aviator, but he did not have the vision required. He later fulfilled his dream by flying RC planes and he was a long-standing member of the Madison Area Radio Control Society (MARCS). Jerry published their newsletter and taught people to fly and tinker with remote control planes. He reluctantly gave up this passion due to health reasons. Jerry was employed for a short time as a Fuller Brush salesman, but landed a job with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, a job he enjoyed for many years. Jerry liked the fact that he had the same name as the owner of the Lakers although he followed the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers reluctantly as he was a Braves fan. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. Jerry also thought he was the best cook and authored the book A War of Their Own. Jerry is survived by his daughters, Connie (Gary) Gille, Kim (Ron) Chamberlain, and Julie Johnson; grandchildren, Bryan Chamberlain, Kacy Pierce, Joseph and Tom Johnson, Angie and Adam Gille; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Florence Blazer and Veryl Auburg; and his beloved beagle, Luke. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. The family requests memorials be directed to the Wounded Warrier Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675, or online at www.woundedwarrierproject.com. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420