Gerald Schoenemann
June 24, 1928 - December 11, 2025
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE/MADISON – Gerald L. Schoenemann, age 97, reunited with his loving wife on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Jerry was born on June 24, 1928, in Elgin, IL to Harold and Mildred (Cullen) Schoenemann. He grew up in the Arena area and graduated from Arena High School. Jerry volunteered for the US Navy just as WWII was ending and served on the USS UVALDE. He married the love of his life, Illa Marie Edge, on August 28, 1948, in Whitesville, Kentucky. Jerry worked for Oscar Mayer for over 35 years. He was a longtime member of VFW Post 8483 and St. Dennis Catholic Church. Jerry enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre, gardening, and watching all Wisconsin sports. Hershey’s stock dropped after his passing. His loving smile will be missed.
Jerry is survived by his five children, Larry, Garry (Mary), Jerry (Sandy), Darcy (Steve) Tingley, and Penny (Mike) Meikle; 25 grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; and sister, Dolly Pernot. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Marie; granddaughter, Jodi; brothers, Herald (Elaine), Joy (Dorothy); and brothers-in-law, Robert Lappen and Don Pernot.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 10:00AM until time of Mass, at the church on Saturday. A luncheon will follow Mass at Rex's Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Avenue, Waunakee. A family burial will be held at Mazomanie Cemetery.
A special thanks to Drumlin Reserve Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI, 53711. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257