Fennimore, WI-Gerald S. Colson, age 79, died on Wednesday Sept. 23, 2015 at U.W. Hospital in Madison. Gerald was born on Sept. 30, 1935 in Grant Co., WI the son of Wilbur & Alice (Whitish) Colson. He was united in marriage to Ruth Dilley on July 11, 1959 in Boscobel.
Following graduation from Montfort High School in 1955, Gerald joined the US Navy, serving until 1957. He and Ruth moved to Janesville where Gerald began working at General Motors in 1962. He worked almost 40 years until retiring in 2002. In addition to General Motors, Gerald also worked nights at Diversified Building Maintenance cleaning the dorms at UW-Whitewater for over 15 years. After retirement, Gerald and Ruth moved back to Hickory Grove Township in 2002 where Gerald enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He also liked watching NASCAR, cheering on the Packers, and spending time with his dog Brutus. Gerald loved his family, adored his grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing the holidays and spending time together.
Gerald is survived by his wife Ruth Colson of Fennimore, five children; Julie (Gary) Seales, Debbie Colson, Sherrie Austin, Teresa Johnston (Brian Smith) all of Janesville, and Mark (Kathy) Colson of Kansas City, MO, daughter-in-law Teri Colson of Janesville, 10 grandchildren; Tim Colson of Cincinnati, OH, Kyle Colson (Nichole) of Janesville, Ashley Thompson (Josh) of Janesville, Kara (Jimmy) Casey of Janesville, Brock Austin (Kathleen) of Beloit, Nate Johnston of Janesville, Jessica (Scott) Formankiewicz of Beloit, Tyler Seales (Justina) of Janesville, Cody Johnston of Janesville, and Brisstal Colson of Kansas City, and 10 great-grandchildren. Gerald is also survived by siblings; William Colson of Janesville, Annabelle (Bruce) Schaal of Dubuque, IA, Joyce (Jerry) Kirschbaum of Fennimore, Merle (Carol) Colson of Blue River, Royce (Shirley) Colson of Janesville, David (Cheryl) Colson of Madison, Patricia (Bill) Hill of Dodgeville, Paulette Friederick friend Bernard Hinderman of Lancaster, Paul Colson of Richland Center, Joann Hugill of Lancaster, Linda (Jeff) Ames of Mt. Hope, and sister-in-law Janet (Harley) Zierfuss of Beloit.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, son Shane Edward Colson, son-in-law Barrie Johnston, sisters; Betty and Elaine Colson, sister-in-laws; Patsy and Beverly Colson, and brother-in-law Bill Hugill.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday Sept. 28, 2015 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday morning. A lunch will be served following the service at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore.