Jerilyn Louise "Jeri" Gossett

Jerilyn "Jeri" Gossett (née Heup) of Downers Grove, Illinois, and formerly of Wisconsin died peacefully at home on Friday, May 2, at the age of 83. Jeri was the beloved wife of Robert "Bob" Gossett, loving mother of Timothy (Kathryn) Gossett and Christina (Greg) Hull, proud grandmother of Evelina and Dane Hull and Finnian ("Fin") Gossett, dear sister of James (Ina) Heup, and caring aunt to several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents, Edward and Ida "Eda" Heup (née Schultz) of Wisconsin.
Jeri was born on February 11, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee in 1960, then attended North Central College in Naperville, IL, where she received a BA degree in Education in 1963. Jeri married the love of her life, fellow North Central student Robert Gossett, on June 20, 1964.
Throughout her life, educating children was her passion. Jeri got her start at Hopkins Street School in Milwaukee. From there, she taught elementary school or preschool in Naperville, IL, Walworth, WI, New Berlin, WI, and Brillion, WI. Jeri also taught and supervised students going into early childhood education at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore. Her final teaching role was running the preschool at the United Methodist Church in Port Washington, WI.
Jeri was an enthusiastic participant in the camping ministries of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church, counseling several age groups, working on staff with Bob, and co-directing a family camp for 18 years. Many recall fondly her leading music with her autoharp. Guided by their strong partnership, Jeri and Bob also helped lead many Marriage Encounter weekends. She enjoyed collecting Hummels, participating in United Methodist Women and other church small groups, playing family card games, traveling with Bob, and maintaining connections with many friends from throughout her life.
Jeri loved being a pastor's wife and was engaged fully in the congregations Bob served, frequently assisting him with his beloved children's stories and sermon illustrations. Her children will remember her as one who never missed an opportunity to see their school performances or offer creative help with assignments and one who displayed genuine Christian love in all aspects of her life. A meaningful presence in her grandchildren's life, Jeri often attended their events or simply spent precious time with them. During her final years when she lived in care centers, many residents, nursing assistants, and staff members knew her as a caring friend. Jeri's generous love for others continues even in death in her choice to give her body to science.
A visitation is scheduled from 2:30-4:00 PM on Saturday, May 10, at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove, Illinois, with a memorial service at 4 PM and a light meal to follow. The Rev. Claude King will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeri's life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Memorials to the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Lake Lucerne, W6460 County Road YY, Neshkoro, WI 54960 (https://wiumcamps.campbraingiving.com/) or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield VA 22116-7023 (https://diabetes.org/donate). Condolences may be sent to Knollcrest Funeral home, www.knollcrest.net.