Jerome "Jerry" Slominski

MADISON – Jerome "Jerry" Slominski, age 86, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026. He was born in 1940 to Michael and Helen Slominski.  He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  Although Jerry did not know where life would take him, he lived the life he always dreamt of.

Jerry graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee, Wis. After graduation, he started to save for college. He went straight to work at places such as the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee. After saving for four years, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.  Thanks to alphabetical seating he sat next to Judith Spychalla, who soon became his girlfriend. After graduating college, Jerry and Judy married and moved to Madison, where Jerry went on to earn a master's degree in entomology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His work was recognized not only by the academic community, but also by the wider public, when it was published in “Field & Stream.”

His hard work brought him to a major fork in the road, with several options in front of him: a fully funded Ph.D., the science division of the military, a major chemical company, or teaching. It was then that Jerry walked into Marquette Middle School and asked about a job. Jerry often said this was one of the best decisions of his life. He loved to teach, he loved to help, and he loved supporting his students to be the best they could be. A dedicated educator, Jerry taught middle school mathematics and science at both Marquette and Blackhawk (formerly Gompers) for more than 30 years. During that time, he formed meaningful connections with his students and fellow faculty. Even years after retiring, he felt real joy whenever he ran into former students and colleagues around Madison, whether at his favorite breakfast spot or while getting the oil changed on his lawnmower. He loved to teach, and he loved his students.

After an extended illness, Judy passed away, leaving a large void in Jerry's life. But sometimes lightning does strike twice. While out with friends one evening, he walked across the room and asked a woman to dance. That first dance led him to Nancy, his soulmate, for the next 30 years. Jerry and Nancy married and shared many years of love and wonderful memories. Whether they were in Florida or Branson, or visiting family in the Upper Peninsula or Minnesota, they brought love and joy to everyone around them, even the stranger sitting next to them at breakfast. Thank you to all the friends and loved ones across the country who helped create so many loving moments with Jerry and Nancy.

Although Jerry grew up in the city, he was always an outdoorsman at heart. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, gardening and planting trees, especially his prized peach tree. Sometimes he loved the solitude that nature brought, but more often he loved sharing these experiences with others. It was always special to see that passion come through in his voiceovers on the home movies he shot with his friends in Canada. He loved those trips, and he loved sharing them with all of you.

Beyond the outdoors, Jerry loved to compete. His hobbies included golf, bowling, softball, after-school basketball and cards (especially poker with his fellow teachers). Jerry played sports the way he lived his life: to the fullest, with passion, organization and love. He was always an honorable competitor who played honestly and fairly but expected you to be at your best. No matter the outcome, he was happy to share a Diet Pepsi and a laugh after the match.

He took tremendous pride in his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, not just on the field or in the classroom, but in the people they have all become. When his grandchildren came along, he watched them swim and play basketball, soccer, football and even a field hockey match or two. But his favorite was a round of golf with them, where they had to earn every victory. He told everyone he met how proud he was of who they had all become and of the exciting journey ahead of them.

Even while watching his beloved Brewers, Packers and Badgers, Jerry was never a passive fan. His love and passion showed with every home run, every touchdown and every unfortunate offside penalty.

One of Jerry's greatest hobbies, hunting for golf balls, is a perfect metaphor for the way he lived his life. When he was hunting for golf balls, nothing stood in his way. Whether it was a pond, a field or a swamp, he embraced the challenge with vigor and a positive attitude. Back home, he cleaned every ball meticulously, using science, and only the balls that met the highest standards made the cut. He shared them with friends, family and strangers with pride and love.

Jerry's generosity was felt every day: in the time he spent with his students, in the support he gave family and friends in their times of need and in his volunteer work at Porchlight, providing meals to the homeless, sometimes with an extra $5 tucked into a meal to go. He provided a safe and loving home and treated everyone he met with kindness, respect and an open heart.

In his final days, Jerry spoke of his joy in having two exceptional wives who loved him with all their hearts, children who filled him with pride, grandchildren who kept him young, and wonderful friends who always filled him with joy and love. He was grateful for the life he lived.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Matt (Molly) and Julie (Mark), stepdaughter, Kara Syreini (Al); grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Avery, Lisa and Greg; siblings, Mike (Joan) Slominski and Lynn Arendt; brother-in-law, William (Mary) Spychalla; and dear friend of 60 years, Dick Varichak. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Helen Slominski; first wife, Judith Slominski; stepson, Eric (Kristen) Syreini; son-in-law, Craig Walz; parents-in-law, Walter and Mary Spychalla; and uncle, Julius (Frances) Lewinski.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, at UNITY OF MADISON, 601 Tompkins Drive, Madison. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity of Madison, Porchlight or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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