Jerilyn Derr

Cottage Grove-Jerilyn A. “Jeri” Derr, age 60, passed away after a two year battle with cancer on Friday, April 1, 2016. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin on July 17, 1955, the daughter of Gerald and Pauline (Haack) Feisst.

Jeri graduated from LaFollette High School in 1973. She participated in volleyball, basketball and softball. She was especially proud of her involvement in the beginning of girls’ competitive school sports. Jeri continued her education with a degree in Police Science at Madison Area Technical College.

Jeri later served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. While raising her sons Jeremy and Jason, she began her 30 year career with the United States Post Office.

On April 11, 1992, Jeri Married her beloved and devoted Rich. The couple have enjoyed life together; traveling, spending time with family and friends, raising their sons, and being Gamma and Papa to their special granddaughter, Addy.

Jeri loved nature and had a special bond with animals. She was an enthusiastic gardener and was a member of Olbrich Gardens. She also loved music and played flute for the McFarland Community Band. A sports enthusiast and athlete, Jeri played City League softball, enjoyed the Brewers and Badgers, and was a fan (and part-owner) of the Green Bay Packers.

Jeri is survived by her husband, Richard Derr; her sons, Jeremy (Lucy) Miller and Jason (Michele) Miller; granddaughter Adalyn Miller; parents, Gerald and Pauline Feisst; sister, Debra Botham; brothers, Daniel (James Bonneau) Feisst and Ted (Denise) Feisst; nephews, Timothy Botham, Michael Botham, Adam Feisst and Nickalus Feisst; seven great nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her three infant sisters, Constance Lee Feisst, Theresa Lee Feisst and Constance Pauline Feisst; grandparents, Theodore and Bernadette (Manning) Feisst and Louis and Esther (Therkelson) Haack; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Botham.

A special thanks to the staffs at U.W. Carbone Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital, Agrace Hospice and Cottage Grove Hometown Pharmacy.

A Visitation will be held from 4pm until 8pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME with Fr. Patrick Norris presiding. A visitation will take place from 10am until the time of service. Luncheon will follow at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison.