Gerald Wood

DEFOREST-Gerald L. Wood, age 86, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at his home. He was born in North Andover on Sep., 16, 1922, to the late Clyde and Ethel (Pollock) Wood. The family moved to Madison in 1936. Gerry attended Madison East High School and graduated in 1942. He worked at Gisholt Machine Company for one and half years before he entered the Armed Services in Dec., 1942 and proudly served his country for three years during World War II. He was shipped overseas and stationed in Africa, Sicily and Italy with the 1st Division, 7th Army and 1st Armored Division. After his discharge he attended Madison Business College from 1946 to 1947. He was married to Dorothy Wagner in1948. He married Rosalie (Eckermann) Bluell on Feb. 1, 1988. Gerry worked most of his life in food sales and worked 21 years for Beechnut Life Savers. Of those 21 years he was supervisor for 14 years. Gerry also worked 13 years for Casey Gohsman Food Brokers, and other brokers for four years. Gerry worked 12 years part-time for Bank One as a parking attendant and worked five years for Nakoma Dental as a courier. He was a life member of VFW Post #8483 and American Legion Post #501. He liked hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, throwing horseshoes, euchre, and shooting pool. He also volunteered his time to the DeForest Community Center delivering Meals on Wheels, and also at the VA Hospital and the VFW. Gerry is survived by his loving wife, Rose; children, Gregory (Jackie), Kim (Greg) Berger, Bryan (Kathy) Chapin, and Marty Guyett. He is further survived by his loving grandchildren, Jillian and Jason Scott, Amy and Jake Chapin, James and Jonathan Berger; and a great granddaughter, Taya Rose Chapin. He is also survived by his brothers, Hulet (Helen) of Sun Prairie and Joe (Candy) of Mineral Point; two sisters, June Slaght of Sun Prairie, Joyce McGrane of St. Paul; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by his loving parents; brothers, Burnell, and Monroe; brothers-in-law, Robert Slaght, and Dale McGrane; nephews, Gary Gilbertson, Scott, Mike, and Steven Wood; and a niece, Debbie McGrane. Funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Jerry Tews, Rev. Greg Berger, and Rev. Denny McGrane presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and also on Tuesday, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Gerry loved his time with his loving wife of 21 years and his loving family. You are going to be truly missed by all.