Gerald A. “Gerry” Wilson

Gerald (Gerry) A. Wilson, age 90, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2013, in Madison.

Gerry was born January 19, 1923, in Bussey, Iowa, to David and Mary (Anspach) Wilson. He grew up in Bussey and in 1940 graduated from Bussey High School, where he played football and basketball.

After studying at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers, training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Camp Claiborne in Louisiana, then serving overseas in Okinawa. On returning to civilian life, he studied at the University of Iowa and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1947. Gerry remained a steadfast Hawkeye fan to the end – not an easy accomplishment when living in the home of the Badgers.

He married Mildred Smith of Oskaloosa, Iowa, on May 13, 1951. Gerry worked in the electric power industry in Iowa, Colorado, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He joined Madison Gas and Electric in 1966 and retired from the post of Senior Vice President and Board Member in 1988. He attended the annual American Power Conference in Chicago, Illinois, and was Chairman of the Industry-sponsored Student Attendance Committee. He was also a board member of The Salvation Army of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin, and a member of American Legion Post 505 in Bussey, Iowa. He was an avid outdoorsman, regularly hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Mildred; three children – Les (Janet) Wilson of Chicago, Illinois, Dirk (Elizabeth) Wilson of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Gayle (Randall) Stafford of Columbus, Indiana; and four granddaughters – Emily (Ben) Stafford Wood, Mollie Stafford, Claire Wilson, and Audrey Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Gene Wilson, and sister Vivian LaVon Wilson.

A Memorial Service and celebration of his life will be held at Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Suni Caylor officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. Monday until the time of the service. A Burial Service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bussey, Iowa, on Friday, March 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will be served at the Bussey United Methodist Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Salvation Army, Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.