Gerald “Jerry” Pfister, age 93, was reunited with his wife, Lois, on July 19, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home with family by his side as a result of heart disease. He was born on August 29, 1932, in Sheboygan, WI, the son of Edward and Eunice Pfister, the fifth of eight children. He graduated from North High School, Sheboygan, WI in 1951 where he played basketball, baseball and football. He joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany for two years. He moved to Madison, Wi after being discharged with the intent of enrolling at the university.

Plans changed when he met the love of his life while working at Kroger’s grocery store on Monroe Street. Jerry married Lois Jackson (Pfister) on June 29, 1957 at Queen of Peace church in Madison. After being foster parents to two little boys, they moved to Sun Prairie, WI where they built their lifelong home and raised their 4 children. They were best friends who spent all their time with one another. Together they loved to travel during the summer especially their 5 trips to Europe. From 1998 through 2019 they enjoyed spending winter months in Yuma, AZ, where they often went for hikes with their grandchildren in the desert. Family gatherings were very important to Jerry and he always looked forward to spending a week together each summer at a cottage in northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed organizing every detail, from meals to games, both indoor and outdoor. Some of the best memories of his children and grandchildren occurred when he’d say the famous line, “Let the games begin!”. Jerry and Lois celebrated their 67th anniversary in 2024 with family at the cottage and Jerry was grateful to spend one last trip there with his family in June of 2026.

Caring for others was very important to Jerry and he prioritized it all his life. His deep love of God was evident in volunteering and always felt by his family. Throughout his 33 year career at Oscar Mayer, he volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul where he served as a treasurer and president. He also volunteered at the Oscar Mayer READI group from its beginning in 1993 until his health declined, as well as holidays with his wife at the Salvation Army. Dependability was his middle name. If you’d ask him to do something or be somewhere, he’d likely reply, “will do” and his word was golden.

Jerry was passionate about the things he cared deeply for, mostly sports and his grandchildren. Ever the statistician, he was known for keeping detailed records of his favorite Wisconsin sports teams as well as his children and grandchildren’s various sporting events. His love for sports began with watching the Sheboygan Indian’s baseball team as a young boy, which led to taking turns with his children and grandchildren to Badger Football games where he was a season ticket holder. He was a proud grandfather and enjoyed spending time with all 9 of his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his children: Mark (Carlos), of Phoenix, AZ, David (Rick) of Madison, WI, Terri (Brian) Koch of Hermosa Beach, CA and Janet (Mark) Hemauer of DeForest, WI; 9 grandchildren: Bennett, Curt (Aline), Kyle, Jose, Alli, Lucas, Jackson (Halie), Cheyenne and Brody; great grandchildren: Hisham, Amara, and Jackson, Jr.; one brother Ken Pfister and sisters-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois, his parents, and 6 brothers and sisters.

The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice for their extensive care in his last months. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to one of Jerry’s favorite charities including: St. Vincent de Paul in Madison, the Sun Prairie Public Library, or Agrace Hospice Care.

Visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2024, at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life luncheon will immediately follow the mass at the Lazy Oaf Lounge at 1617 N. Stoughton Rd., Madison, WI. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Wisconsin Badger, Milwaukee Brewer, or Green Bay Packers attire at the Lazy Oaf. Jerry will be brought to his final place of rest in a private service at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Sun Prairie. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneral service.com.