Gerald Christensen

Gerald Christensen

November 06, 1939 - April 08, 2023

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON/SUN PRAIRIE – Gerald R. “Jerry” Christensen, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023. He was the only child born on November 6, 1939, to Floyd and Evelyn (Shillinglaw) Christensen. Jerry graduated from East High School in 1957 and then joined the US Army, serving as a Military Police Officer. He then went on to a long career in sales. Jerry was employed as manager of The Hub men’s clothing store. Later in life he found his calling, working as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor at Prairie Counseling in Sun Prairie. Jerry committed the last 43 years of his life to the twelve step program that he strongly believed in and sponsored many people throughout the years. Jerry was an avid traveler and enjoyed many trips with his wife and grandsons. He most loved the western states and our National Parks. Jerry enjoyed playing cards and time spent with his family playing board games.

He is survived by his wife, Barb Hein of Waterloo; daughters, Deb (John Nordbo) Fields of Madison, Mary (Eric) Hustedt of Madison; stepchildren, Curt (Char) Hein of Beaver Dam, Sue (Moe) Hein of Waterloo; grandchildren, Miranda, Ev, Samuel, Thomas, Joshua, and Jennifer; great grandchildren, Jade, Jemma and Jasmine.

A private funeral for family will be held at Ryan Funeral Home and a Celebration of his Life will be at the Colonial Club, 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:00PM.

Jerry touched the lives of so many and will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. We will take comfort knowing he is with his beloved dog, Precious, once again. Memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice or the National Park Foundation.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

Events

There are no events for Gerald yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Gerald
No photos of Gerald have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Gerald
KL
Kelly L
Other •
Mary, So sorry for your loss. Cherish all your memories.
SH
Sandy Hopkins
Other •
Although I haven't seen my cousin Jerry in some time, I'll never forget his laugh. To his wonderful daughters Deb and Mary, I send my heartfelt condolences. Cousin Sandy
DE
Dolly and Chuck Emerson
Other •
Our Deepest Sympathy goes to you Barb and all of the many people, family and friends that have known and loved Jerry throughout his life. Jerry had wit, a fun sense of humor and was devoted to helping others. We grieve his loss. Love, Dolly and Chuck
SS
Susan Schmitz
Other •
Hello Barbara Hein and family. My name is Susan Schmitz. I am one of the daughters of Bob Schmitz who owned the Hub Men's Clothing store and hired Jerry many years ago. Speaking for the Schmitz family--the five children of Bob Schmitz grew up knowing Jerry very well. We all have excellent memories of knowing Jerry and being around him. Our sympathies to all of you. Susan
DS
Dan & Margaret Shillinglaw
Other •
Dear Mary and Deb, Margaret and I are very sorry for your loss but your Dad's health sounds like it was time. Death can often be merciful but is never welcome. However, stories in life live on and never die. Here are a couple of them. When I was 10 years old your Dad picked me up in his convertible (way too cool) and took me to his baseball game. Along the way he asked me if I had all I needed knowing that I played little league baseball. I said that I wanted a pair of spikes (shoes with spikes used for traction) - He laughed and said I was a little young for those but said that he had something else just for me. When we got to the diamond he opened his trunk and handed me one of the greatest gifts that I ever received, an old - all broken in baseball glove. I used that unusual and fantastic four fingered glove all through the rest of my little league career. No one had one like it and that made me feel pretty dang proud! I worked at the Hub for a couple months in the fall 1968 and who could ever have a better boss than your Dad, my cousin Jerry. I came in to work on a Saturday morning and told your Dad that I just came up with tickets to the Badger football game and would have to leave at 11:00. He told me that there was a bunch of inventory to work on and that if I left I was done. I went to the game and got fired all in one swell foop (as Peter Sellers once said). But I showed up on Monday to get my job back. Your Dad put his arm around me and with a welcoming smile said "ok, get your ass back to work!". Margaret and I will be out of town and unable to attend the funeral but we wish you girls all the best and pass along our very best at this time. Your Dad was a truly great and principled man, I'd settle for that! Dan and Margaret Shillinglaw
MP
Mikki and Roger Popowich
Other •
Mary...we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember him well from when he and my brother Dave went to school together. We're sorry for your loss. Mikki and Roger Popowich

Share memorial