Jerry Richard Vesperman

JERRY VESPERMAN went to his eternal resting place on April 4, 2025 to join his soulmate and mother of their eight children just shy of his 91st birthday. He was born to Harry and Amanda Vesperman in Ellenboro, Wisconsin on April 9, 1934, the youngest of five.

Jerry’s wife of 63 years, Kathryn (Kroll) whom he married on March 2, 1954 preceded him in death in 2017. His parents, Harry and Amanda Vesperman and his siblings, Eva (Karl) Edge, Ivan (Marcella) Vesperman, Paul (Lois) Vesperman and Delbert Vesperman, also preceded him in death.

Jerry is survived by his eight children, Tim (Kathy), Mary (Jim), Vicki (John), Mark (Caryn), Ann (Charlie), John (Cindy), Joe (Julie) and Susan (Brian). He was blessed with 12 grandchildren; Austin, Sarah, Cameron, Tena, Nikki, Dalton, Kelsey, Amanda, Corey, Alex, Roman and Sam and 16 great grandchildren, all an integral part of his life and legacy.

Jerry grew up on his family’s farm in Ellenboro, Wisconsin. He learned and cultivated many skills working on the farm but most importantly he learned the value of hard work and resilience. Throughout his life he instilled these values in his children.

Jerry attended the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in Platteville, Wisconsin, graduating in 1956 as a Civil Engineer. His lifelong career of 34 years was with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation. He retired at age 55 in 1990 and enjoyed his family “farm” in Barneveld, Wisconsin with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren where he spent time gardening, hunting and hosting family gatherings. Family was the focus of his life and he was a proud father as all of his children became productive, successful members of their communities.

He was a handyman with skills to build or fix anything. He believed in trying to fix it himself before calling in the “professionals” and helped others with their projects. He loved passing along knowledge and skills to his family and working side-by-side with them on projects. He and his sons designed and built the house on 40 acres outside Barneveld, Wisconsin in 1999. For many years he and Kathryn nurtured a large garden at the farm growing and sharing lots of vegetables and flowers.

Family gatherings and celebrations were a large part of his life. There were countless birthday, holiday and special occasion celebrations with the entire clan. In particular, he loved the picnics at the farm surrounded by all the kids and grandkids.

Jerry loved children. With such a large family, for many years there was always a stream of kids coming through the door and sometimes at all hours. Dad took this in stride and loved getting to know his kids' friends. He devoted himself to teaching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren the importance of family values. Raising eight children, the stories and memories

are many, but one thing we will not forget is his late night warning, “don’t make me come down there.”

An avid golfer, Jerry golfed in work leagues starting in 1960’s and then every week with his retiree league up until the Covid lockdown. He also golfed with his children and particularly loved the “one-club” tournament Mark orchestrated every year at Glenway golf course since 1987. He enjoyed Badger sports and attended Badger Basketball games for over 30 years.

Euchre was a family game and we all learned to play at an early age. In the last few years we played Euchre with Dad every Thursday and made sure his favorite Kwikery donuts were on the table. He loved sweets and his Mom’s cinnamon rolls, which were passed on to his wife Kathryn and then his kids, are a family favorite to this day. Blueberry pie, cookies and dark chocolate were also regular confections at his table. He also enjoyed visiting the family bar and grill for his favorite mushroom swiss burger and giant tater tots.

A special thanks to Bright Star and Hospice caregivers who were amazing! Isaac and Keosha, Jerry’s Agrace nurse and primary caregiver were so wonderful to Dad and filled his final journey with love, respect, levity, kindness and tenderness; we can't thank you enough.

As a devoted Catholic, he was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish for over 60 years. A service of Catholic rites will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Madison, Wisconsin on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11 AM followed by a luncheon. Visitation will precede the mass in the gathering space at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin in Jerry’s name. https://www.agrace.org/donate/

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434