Gerald W. Darwin

Gerald "Jerry" William Darwin, 88, of Menomonie and formerly of Black River Falls, passed away peacefully with family at his side on April 12, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie.

Jerry was born on Sept. 3, 1926, to John and Mabel (Garver) Darwin in Black River Falls. He married Dorothy Delaney on June 21, 1952. Together they had and raised two children, Nancy and Allen.

Jerry worked many years at Durgom Concrete Pipe Company in South Beloit. He also spent many years as a roofer for Darwin Roofing out of Black River Falls, until he had a bad fall from a roof in 1989. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycling and snowmobiling during his younger years. He served his country in the U.S. Army with tours of active duty during World War II and the Korean War. He was a quiet and strong man. Jerry was always willing to give a helping hand to family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; daughter, Nancy Alexander of Beloit; son, Allen (Judy) Darwin of Menomonie; one granddaughter and one grandson, Tamara Newland and Kevin Newland, both of Beloit; two granddaughters, Jena Darwin and Jami Darwin (Jordan Langer), both of Menomonie; four great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons, and one step-great-grandson of Beloit; and one great-great-granddaughter; two great-great-grandsons; and one great-great-grandchild due in August of Beloit. He is also survived by a sister, Naomi "Babe" Schultz; sisters-in-law, Ferne Jack, Viola Delaney, and Lois Bradley; and brother-in-law Glenard (Eileen) Delaney; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mabel; brothers, Douglas Darwin and Victor Darwin; sisters, Cleo "Sis" Woods and Evelyn "Tootie" Strube; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

No formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at Kyotes Bar in Menomonie on Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at The Neighbors of Dunn County and Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie for providing excellent care to Jerry during the last difficult months. The family also appreciates the support they received during Jerry's stay.

Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com