Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Powers
Gerald “Jerry” Powers 78, of Onalaska passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, surrounded by family at the Lakeview Health Center in West Salem where he was receiving care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
He was born on July 22nd, 1941 at Grandview hospital in La Crosse to Elizabeth “Betty” (Marshall) and Walter “Wally” Powers. He graduated from Central High School in La Crosse in 1959 and attended Western Technical Institute where he studied drafting. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan (Salusbury), on July 20, 1963 at Our Redeemers Church in La Crosse. Following the birth of their son, Rick, and daughter, Kimberly, they settled into their current home in Onalaska where he became a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church.
Jerry was very social and loved to talk with people. He first met Sue when he worked at Kroger Grocery as head grocery clerk. After they married, he worked several jobs in sales including at Frito Lay, Jim Stansfield Vending, and American Millwork. Later, he also was employed at OCR as a forklift driver. Even after retirement, Jerry continued to work as a delivery driver for West Salem Pharmacy.
Jerry was an avid golfer and bowler, rolling many a 300 game. He also had a love of art and was very skilled at drawing and painting Christmas scenes for holiday decorating. Jerry enjoyed listening to music and would almost weekly attend live music throughout the La Crosse area and dance with his sweetheart Sue. His last love was his dog, Ginger, who was his daily companion.
Jerry and Sue spent a lot of time at Lake Neshonoc Campground where they had a permanent campsite for 45 years and made many close friends. Jerry, always up for a party, loved being “at the lake” sharing the site with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan; son Rick (Wanda) Powers of Onalaska; daughter Kimberly (Todd) Clark of Onalaska; grandsons Levi Powers of Rock Springs, Wyoming; William “Willie” (Brianna Rae) Powers of Mindoro, Wisconsin; Bennett Clark of Onalaska; granddaughters, Brandy (Matthew) Erdman of Holmen; Ava Clark of Onalaska; great granddaughter Brynlee Erdman and great grandson Tyler Erdman; sister in law Camille (Ron) Wilhelm; and Aunt Helene (Volkman) Powers
He was preceded in death by his parents, his uncles Donald, Lawrence “Larry”, Robert “Bob”, Raymond “Ray” Powers, and his father and mother in law Graham and Olive (Midtlien) Salusbury.
Services will be held at Coulee Region Cremation, at 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI on Thursday, November 7th. Visitation hours will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with food and refreshments provided throughout the visitation in celebration of Jerry’s life. A brief service will be officiated by grandson, Reverend Levi Powers, at 6:30 pm.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Lakeview Health Center for their wonderful care of Jerry while he was at that facility.
I am very sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences.
Sue, thinking of you and your family with deepest sympathy
Sue and Kim I am sorry for your loss of your husband and dad ..when we moved here from Alabama your family was the first we met..through middle school and High school our daughters were always together inseparable..Kim was my daughter from a different mother and I appreciated you sharing her with our family..I will forever remember the funny things Jerry said and did he was alway so full of life ..always a smile on his face ..always teased my daughter and called her Alabama ?where we moved from ..I will pray for comfort in the days ahead …I love you both
So sorry for your loss I have many great memories off him. I will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deepest sympathies,
John & Gwen Saxe
and the Farrell Equipment Family.
God bless you with peace at this very difficult time. ??
Let beautiful memories comfort you.
Jeff and Nancy Armstrong
Sue, My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May God’s comfort be with you always. I well remember the days when Jerry brought Frito Lay products to my grocery store. He always had a cheerful outlook and we would talk about many subjects. I will keep you in my prayers.
Rudy
Sue , Sending Prayers and Hugs to You and Your Family . I was just thinking about all the times Jerry and Guys from the campground cam up to the old office and would tease me or bring me breakfast .
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I worked with Jerry at Kroger’s and always remember his outgoing personality, smiles and friendliness. He will be missed by many. My wife and I send our most sincere sympathy to Sue and Jerry’s family.
Dick and Carol Jacobs
Rick & Wanda:
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. We will remember him driving around the campground in their golf cart. Stopping to start a conversation with anyone that they might know or NOT know for that matter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
My deepest sympathies. I have many fond memories of Jerry and am blessed to have had to opportunity to know him.
Sue and family, my heart is heavy with Jerry’s passing and sending prayers your way. Our lives and families have been so intertwined for such a long time, (I always thought we were related!). I will always have wonderful memories. Love Chrissy
So sorry for your families loss. Prayers for all of your tender hearts! ???
Sue,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family with the passing of Jerry.
I always admired the two of you and your very strong, loving marriage,
Pauly Gunderson Priemazon
Hi Sue,
Remember me, we worked together at the beauty shop? Remembering all the good times with you and Jerry. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
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