Theodore L. 'Ted' Gerry

Gerry, Theodore L. TedMADISON-Theodore L. Ted Gerry, age 75, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, after a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by his family members when he went to be with the Lord. Ted was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Madison, the son of Robert and Lucille (Godden) Gerry. He had an enjoyable childhood surrounded by his five siblings and extended family. Ted had countless tales of misadventures in his early days that, when recounted, routinely brought tears of laughter to the eyes of his children. He served in the U. S. Army in Germany after his graduation from high school. Ted went to business college and had a long career in the auto parts business. He married Donna Jean Ashard on Oct. 10, 1959. They were married nearly 50 years when Ted was preceded in death by his devoted wife on Aug. 17, 2009. Ted was a very loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was the time that he spent with his family. Ted was a very hard worker and excellent provider. There was nothing that he would not do for his family. He set an outstanding example of commitment, love, and dedication for all of us. Despite years of physical discomfort and illness, Ted was the first to encourage another, and was, quite simply, a joy to be around. He was a decent and principled man who routinely considered the needs of others first. Ted will be sorely missed by those of us who loved him. He is survived by five children, Dave (Jean) Gerry of Madison, Tim (Kristi) Gerry of Eau Claire, Julie (Clark) Osborn of Cottage Grove, Ted (Melody) Gerry of Madison, and Peter (Izzy) Gerry of Madison; 14 grandchildren, Teddy and Jessie Gerry of Madison, Alica, Emily, and Rebekah Gerry of Eau Claire, Joshua (and another grandchild on the way) Osborn of Cottage Grove, Kate-Lynn, Brittany, Allison, and Caleb Gerry of Madison, and Brooke, Zachary, Kelli and Tyler Gerry of Madison; two sisters, Etta (Roy) Graham of Florida and Pat McCormick of Madison; sisters-in-law, Laurie Gerry, Evie Gerry, and Nancy Dolsey of Madison, Sandy Gilmore and Mary Sue (Charlie) Miller of Sun Prairie; and many nieces and nephews. Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Gerry; his infant daughter, Nancy; his parents, Robert and Lucille; his sister, Lucille; two brothers, Bud and Tom Gerry; his sister-in-law, Sharon Benson; his brothers-in-law, Glen Gilmore, Ozzie Dolsey, Mike McCormick, and Dick Kingston; and his nephew, Chris Gilmore. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin. Ted was dearly loved and will be missed greatly. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin. Cemetery: Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.