Jerome "Jerry" "Criss" Howard Scriver

MADISON - Surrounded by family, Jerome "Jerry" "Criss" Howard Scriver passed away at his home in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 19, 2025, just five days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Criss was born in Watertown, South Dakota, on September 14, 1945, to Howard "Shorty" Scriver and Annette (Hansen) Scriver. He attended school in South Shore, SD, graduating in 1963. In 1967, he earned a BS in History with a minor in Physical Education from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, and later earned an MS in Social Sciences.

Criss married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Amdahl, in August 1966. They moved to Two Rivers, WI, where he taught History and Social Sciences at Two Rivers Washington High School for 41 years. After retiring, they relocated to Madison, WI, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Criss was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Two Rivers, WI, and actively participated in the Two Rivers Optimist Club, receiving the Optimist of the Year Award for 2000-2001. Additionally, he was honored with the Paul Harris Award from the Two Rivers Rotary Club in recognition of many years spent advising the high school Interact Club. He enjoyed playing sports such as basketball, volleyball, and softball, and was an enthusiastic fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Brewers. His love of sports extended to coaching boys high school baseball, starting a girls softball league, and coaching and cheering for his children's and grandchildren's sports teams and other activities.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Bryn Scriver (John Nondorf), grandson Rilo, son Ryan Scriver, granddaughter Caydence, sisters Judy Southwick and Margaret Broich, brother Ross (Gail) Scriver, and sister-in-law Gabrielle Lamp-Scriver. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Rollie Kindvall, brother-in-law Roger Amdahl, and many special nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, exchange daughter Linda Moya (Philippines), exchange son Ronan Bourgaut (France), and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Alma Amdahl, brother Gary Scriver, great-nephew Brady Southwick, and cherished pets Eddie and Nolan.

Criss's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the SSM Health at Home staff, especially Meagan and Blanca, for the compassionate care they provided.

His ashes will be interred at Bergen Cemetery in Codington County, South Dakota, at a later date.

A celebration of life open house will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church (1921 Adams St) in Two Rivers, WI, on Sunday, October 19, from 1 to 4 p.m.

A second celebration of life open house will take place at Shenanigan's Sports Bar and Grill (1903 S. Ellis Road) in Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, November 29, from Noon to 4 p.m.