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Thursday, October 23, 2025
9:30 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Gerald Lee Paffenroth, 86, of Waunakee, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1939, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of the late William and Beatrice (Baier) Pfaffenroth.
He first married Patricia Ann Bartow on October 24, 1959, in Oshkosh. They are blessed with three children together: James (special friend Paula Moebius) of Mineral Point, WI, Kathy (Tim) Deneen of Marshall, WI, and Scott (Larissa) of Hampton, VA. Pat and Jerry divorced in 1974.
He married Monica (Kirch) McGowan on July 21, 1975. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary this summer. Monica has 4 children of her own, whom they raised together. Joan (Curt) Merlin, of Cambridge, WI; Michael (deceased), Patrick (Carol) McGowan, of Lodi, WI, and Daniel (Deborah) McGowan, of Waunakee, WI.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, in-laws George and Frances Kirch, sister in-law Margaret Anderson, stepson, Michael McGowan, and daughter-in-law Barbara Paffenroth.
He is survived by his wife, Monica, and 4 siblings: Darlene (Dennis) Wiegman, of Mesa, Arizona, William (Maureen) Pfaffenroth, of Oshkosh, WI, Thomas (Cindy) Paffenroth of Oshkosh, WI, and Steve (Deborah) Paffenroth of Greenville, WI. Sister in-law Virginia Scholtz, Ruth (Byron) Halvorson, Susan (Wayne) Thibado, Brothers-in-law George (Kelli) Kirch Jr. Raymond (Rebecca) Kirch, Tony (Coleen) Kirch, and Wesley Anderson, also survived by grandchildren; Jennifer (Adam) Barlow, of Poynette, WI, Amber (Tom) Stoltenburg, of Fall River, WI Kasey (William) Baughn, of Beaver Dam, WI, Christopher Paffenroth, of Eugene, OR., Jennifer (special friend Robert Herold) Berry, of Watertown, WI, Elizabeth (Fiancé Justin) Paffenroth, of San Diego, Ca,. Mary Elizabeth Paffenroth and Thomas Paffenroth of Madison, WI. 11 great-grandchildren and 8 Step-Grandchildren: Ali McGowan, Jenna McGowan, Sarah (Ben) Mains, Carly (Jack Starkebaum) McGowan, Abby (Niko Soto) McGowan, Jack McGowan, Molly (Matthew) Killen, Kate Merlin. And 2 Step Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by his first wife, Patricia Weinsehaus, of Mauston, WI, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1956 and from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1969, with a degree in biology. He used that degree to grow a large apple and grape orchard. He loved the land that he lived on and was always growing something.
Jerry worked a few jobs during his life. But he worked for over 30 years for the State of Wisconsin in the maintenance department as a restoration specialist when he retired.
Hunting, fishing, and cooking were his passions. He hunted and fished all over the United States and Canada. But fishing was his favorite. He was the Past President of the Yahara Fishing Club, a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Past President of the Dane County Conservation League. He taught all his kids, his youngest brother, and most of his grandchildren how to hunt and fish. He also loved to cook and try new recipes.
Jerry was a veteran of the Army National Guard and the Army. He was pulled up to active duty during the Bay of Pigs. He was immensely proud to be a veteran.
He was an avid Wisconsin Badger, Packer, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan.
Jerry was affiliated with Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee. His visitation is on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church, with the funeral following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Military honors and lunch will immediately follow the service. Private burial for immediate family only in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Monona, WI.
May you always catch the fish for which you are searching. We love you, Dad.
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson
In lieu of flowers, please donate to two of Dad’s favorite organizations:
The Yahara Fishing Club- mail donations to the address below:
PO Box 259803
Madison, Wisconsin 53725
Or to:
The Dane County Conservation League
Please share your memories of Jerry by posting in his Guestbook.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI
Peace Lutheran Church
Peace Lutheran Church
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