Gerald Oswald "Jerry" Doucet

Gerald "Jerry" Oswald Doucet age 96 died peacefully in his home, The Colonnade Assisted Living Facility in Surprise, AZ. from complications of congestive heart failure and old age. Even though his body failed him, his spirit and love of life remained strong to the end. He always made the most of what life dealt him and was ever grateful. Jerry was born on June 30, 1928, in La Crosse, WI, the middle of three sons of Joseph Doucet, a carpenter and builder and Theresa (Curti) Doucet a homemaker. They were of modest means and lived in a small farming community Genoa, WI. He attended Catholic schools through high school and from the combination of family, church and school, developed a deep connection which God through the Catholic faith which helped to anchor and guide him throughout his long life. He was the first in his family to attend college and continued on to dental school earning his DDS degree from Marquette University in 1952. While in dental school he met Joan Crowley, a dental hygiene student, also studying at Marquette University. They were married on October 11, 1952, beginning a long, loving partnership. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Air Force as a dentist and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and stationed in England for 2 years. Following his discharge, Jerry and his young bride with their first born son returned to Wisconsin to begin his dental practice and his family. Jerry and Joan moved across the river to La Crescent, MN with their young family which now consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters. They eventually moved the family to a farm nearby raising beef cattle as they guided the growth and development of their children all while continuing a successful dental practice. He and Joan were an unbeatable team in all endeavors. After the children grew and left home, Joan and Jerry moved to the Sun Belt for a new change; first to New Mexico and later to Sun City Grand, AZ. They became interested in tennis, playing both singles and doubles. They also participated in the Senior Olympics training together and competing in track and field events both at regional and national levels usually placing within the top 3. After the love of Jerry's life died in 2015, he moved to the Colonnade. He transferred to the assisted living facility in 2019 where residents and staff became an extended family to him. Jerry always took what life dealt him and made the most of it. He possessed strength in spirit and determination. Throughout his life he was honest, fair and kind to all. He was witty and fun. He will be missed by all that knew him. He is predeceased by his wife Joan (Crowley) Doucet and his daughter Jeannine (Doucet) Kean. He is survived by his children Michael Doucet from Bend, OR, Anne (Doucet) Lee from Caledonia, MN, Jeffry Doucet from Caledonia, MN, Daniel Doucet from El Mirage, AZ. and Steven Doucet from Caledonia, MN