MADISON – Jerry Gene Gest, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born in Portage, Wisconsin on September 28, 1929 to Raymond and Edrie Roundy (Gest) Swanson. Jerry graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1947. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Navy Reserves and went to work for Hults Chevrolet.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart Marlene Morgan on April 15, 1950. They were happily married for 65 years. Jerry will be remembered as a very kind, thoughtful and loving person as well as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren and great-grand children were very special to him and were the light of his life.

Jerry went on to be a very successful Mack truck salesman at Gilomen Truck until his retirement. He loved Classic Cars, and was an avid woodworker, but his passion was helping family and grandchildren. He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer Fan (win or lose). Jerry will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry is survived his sons Randy (Linda) Gest of Waunakee; Jeff (Jane) Gest of Cottage Grove; Grandchildren – David (Elizabeth) Gest, Deerfield, Kristin (Jake) Statz, Martinsville, Ashley Gest, Madison; Great-Grandchildren: Nicholas, Katelyn, Lyndsey, Braydon, Sophie and Matson; brother Sandy (Carol) Swanson, brother-in-law Vern (June) Morgan, sister-in-law Shirley Morgan, and brother-in-law Hank Dedrick and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marlene in 2015 and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 Sherman Avenue, Madison at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service with Reverend Gerry Kuhnke presiding. Internment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.

The family would like to extend a special THANK YOU to the staff at Lighthouse (New Perspectives) in Sun Prairie and to the staff and doctors at Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Jerry Gest

September 28, 1929 - June 25, 2017

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