Obituary
Gerald E. Bishofsky
Gerald (Jerry) Earl Bishofsky, age 79, of Onalaska WI, passed away on February 20th 2022, at home, surrounded by family.
He was born on September 19th 1942 to Earl and Glida (Riffle) Bishofsky.
He married Ronda Mueller on September 29th 2012 .
Jerry graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1960. After high school, Jerry spent 4 years serving our country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964 serving on the USS Newport News. Jerry had many great memories of his time in the navy and could be heard telling stories of being on the different ships and visiting many different countries.
Returning home, Jerry spent the next 40 years working at Trane Company as a welder. Jerry loved going dancing with his wife Ronda and was a frequent visitor to various karaoke events around town.
He loved vacationing in the western parts of the US with his wife. Jerry was an amazing athlete and could be found around town on various tennis courts, golf courses and bowling alleys. He was a talented fast pitch softball player and was very proud of his accomplishments in
many city tennis tournaments.
Jerry was a very fierce competitor. He and his son Mark won second place in a USTA tennis tournament in Minneapolis in 2008, which made Jerry very proud. He also enjoyed fishing with his son and with his good friend Gary Burr.
Jerry was an avid Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan and didn’t miss a game. Jerry was also an avid movie fanatic, whether it being a comedy, western, war or romance.
Though Jerry truly loved being active playing sports, his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren, making them laugh. He could easily be awarded “the world’s greatest grandpa”. Jerry had a very unique type of wisdom that was centered around empathy and common sense. He earned the respect of intelligent men and the love of children. Jerry was always happy and smiling and could often be heard whistling or singing his favorite tunes.
He recognized what was important in life and was able to teach those around him that ‘things’ are not important, but rather friends and family. He lived and taught the fact that family and friends, and time spent with them, was what can bring real and lasting happiness. Jerry could also be seen galavanting around town with his partner in crime David Summerfield, whom he cared for over 13 years.
Survived by his loving wife Ronda Mueller, Children: Laurie (Dan) Eckert, Mark (Lori) Bishofsky, Kelsey (Cory) Kemnitz. Grandchildren: Ryan (Rhylee), Carly Eckert, Maja Ince, Boden, Kai, Soren Bishofsky, Gunnar, Gaige Kemnitz and three great grandchildren, brothers Dennis and Steven Bishofsky, sister Janet Berry.
Preceded in death by parents Earl & Glida Bishofsky, sisters, Gloria Molzahn, Carol Marshall and Linda Bishofsky, brother Alan Bishofsky and son Jamin Bishofsky.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Chaplain Jeff Thomson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of services. Special thanks to Gundersen Hospice Department, Dr. Justin Otis and Dr. David Bleidorn.
The service will be live streamed via Zoom, which can be viewed suing the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89987991821?pwd=V3RQeW1qSFdQb2RTc3NmSUhycFBlUT09
Heaven became richer and this earthly world more deficient at 2:40 am on February 20th. Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
My condolences to Ronda and his family.
So sad for you all. He was a happy man so he will surely be missed. Our sympathy to you Rhonda.
He was a great Brother in law, and alot of fun to be around. We had many good times together, and I will miss him.
So sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. He was a people loving person with a kind heart and spirit who was always trying to help those around him with their needs. Suffering with his health the last couple of years, God saw to call him to his heavenly home where he is now at peace. God bless you Rhonda and family for the care and love he received.
What a great guy. I’ll really miss him. One of a kind.
I worked with Jerry for many years at Trane. Early on, he helped me improve on my welding skills and later, guided me in making better decisions as a young foreman.
He was one of the best certified welders I’ve ever worked with. So sad that he has passed.
My condolences to his entire family.
I was Jerry caregiver the last year he was the funniest person he was always telling me jokes we had so much fun going on our drives eating McDonald’s he taught me to square dance swing a golf club he loved being outside with nature he was my best buddy and I truly miss him he was very loved by his wife Ronda see you one day again buddy
Gerry was a great guy and a great friend. He’ll be dearly missed.
So many great memories with Uncle Jerry, Laurie and Mark. I can still picture sitting around the campfire and him either telling us crazy stories or singing us songs.
We met Jerry when we moved into the neighborhood. He was one of the first to welcome us. Immediately Jerry showed his warm personality and friendliness as a neighbor. He always had a story to tell when he would be out for walks and then he would go off whistling. He loved to whistle and we loved hearing it.
Our sympathy to you, Rhonda, and your family. Jim, Brian and myself will miss him in the neighborhood.
He was a great guy, I enjoyed working with him. He was a great welder & I wish I was half as good as he was. We all will miss him. Our condolences go out to the whole family.
Had many great tennis matches with Jerry over the years and a few brews after. Great guy and will be missed by many
Worked many years side by side with Jerry… Quite the guy, had fun all of the time…We won the Trane Co. Tennis tournament so many years, they quit having it!!! He will be missed!!!!!!
So sorry Laurie and Mark for the loss of your Dad We are in Texas. So will not be able to attend the funeral. So sorry.
So sorry Laurie and Mark for the loss of your Dad We are in Texas. So will not be able to attend the funeral. So sorry.
So sorry to hear of Jerrys passing,God Bless Rhonda and The family.He was always a great person to be around,always a smile.
Praying for the family! They have not put up a link to watch service as of yet.
God is there with you all to help you through this time.
Rhonda & family- so sorry to hear of Jerry’s Passing. We haven’t kept up with each other but please know that we have thought of you both many times during the years. We’ll always remember our Karoke days and Jerry TRYING to tell jokes in between songs to keep us entertained(which he did) Great guy and I’m sure anyone who knew him will be sad to have lost him.