Gerald "Jerry" Simerson, age 87 passed away on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at Cedar Crest in Janesville.  He was born on April 3, 1937 in Edgerton, WI the son of Morton Simerson, Sr. and Esther Smithback.  Jerry's mother died shortly after he was born and he was raised by his aunt and uncle Doris and Perry "Scut" Simerson.  Jerry entered into the United States Navy in 1955 and was discharged in 1958 serving on the USS Amphion (AR-13) as an Engineman 3rd Class.  After his naval service he returned home to Footville.   On New Year's Eve of 1959 Jerry ran into this Milton girl playing accordion at Lucey's Tavern in Footville.  As the weather was blustery that night, she took him up on his offer to drive her home.   Jerry would marry that accordion girl Mary "Cathy" Hanauska on December 26, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milton, WI.  Jerry worked for many years as a salesman for CB&K and later Connor's Supply until retiring in 2008.  He was a member of the Platteville Elks Lodge #1460 and St. William Catholic Church in Janesville.  Jerry was an avid Wisconsin sports fan especially the Green Bay Packers & Wisconsin Badgers.  He made friends everywhere he went and was always the life of the party.  There was never a dull moment with Jerry!

Jerry is survived by his daughter Tammy (David Husen) Cherry, grandchildren Andrew (Jessica) Balch, Zachary (Brittany) Balch, Matthew (Abbey Monson) Husen, Joey (Shandi) Husen, Micah (Lauren) Husen, and Tess (fiancé Chris Chilson) Husen, sixteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Johnson, Carol (Jim) Carlson, and Maureen Hanauska, brother-in-law Leo (Louise) Hanauska, and a very special friend Burr Rote.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, adoptive parents Perry and Doris, wife Cathy, brother Morton Simerson, Jr., sisters Janice Latsch and Beverly Paul, father-in-law and mother-in-law Louis & Agnes Hanauska, brothers-in-law Harold Hanauska & Gary Johnson, and great-granddaughter Kennedy Balch.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Cedar Crest Chapel, 1702 S. River Rd., Janesville, WI.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life will follow the memorial service from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #254, 2100 N. Washington St., Janesville, WI.

Jerry's family would like to thank the entire staff at Cedar Crest for making Dad feel so at home during his four years there.  You nicknamed him "The Mayor" and it fit him well.

Dad, please give Mom a kiss for me!  I love you both.  Until we meet again.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus, WI is assisting the family.