Gerald Allen “Jerry” Place, age 81 of Beldenville, WI, passed away peacefully July 29, 2020 at the St. Crispin Living Community Care Center in Red Wing, MN. Gerald was born February 4, 1939 in Beldenville, WI to Albion and Gladys (Clemetson) Place. He graduated from Ellsworth High School, with the Class of 1957. On May 22, 1976, Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Colleen Murphy. Their lives were blessed with four children, Donovan, Deanna, Darren, and Melissa. Jerry worked as a section supervisor for DeLaval (Niro) for 43 years, retiring in 2004.
Jerry was a skilled mechanic and enjoyed working on and fixing cars. He was a proud member of the Beldenville Old Car Club. Jerry took great pride in his Allis Chalmers C tractor. He was also a talented wood worker. In his quiet time, he liked the challenge of working on word finds, being outdoors with nature, and watching wildlife. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jerry loved being surrounded by his family.
Jerry will remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Barb; children, Donovan (Audrin) Place, Deanna (Jeffrey) Redding, Darren (Tami) Place, and Melissa (Michelle) Place; grandchildren, Andrea, Spencer, Mason, Ethan, and Evan; great-granddaughter, Serenity Ann; many special step-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Maxine “Mick” Place; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albion and Gladys Place; sisters, Shirley (Dallas) McGinley and Arlene (Dennis) Rein; brothers, Eldon (Novie) Place, Gordon Place, and Wayne (Arlene) Place.
A private family service will be held at Jerry’s lifelong family church, Our Savior’s Lutheran in Beldenville. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life (will respect to social distancing and encouraging the use of masks) will take place 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday, August 10, 2020 at Vino in the Valley, W6450 530th Ave., Maiden Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ADRC of Pierce County, Dementia Program.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
