Jerome "Jerry" Richgels

Jerome "Jerry" Richgels, age 76 of Dodgeville/Highland, died peacefully on January 11, 2026, at Upland Hills Nursing Rehab Center in Dodgeville with family by his side. Born the second child to Harvey and Anna Mae (Nondorf) Richgels on April 27, 1949, he lived the first years of his life on small farms outside of Highland. Throughout high school he worked on nearby farms and for area businesses, then graduated from Highland High School in 1967. Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1969 and spent two years as a Military Police officer in Camp Pendleton, California.
The years that followed weren't easy for Jerry. In time, he met and married Cherre Erickson and together they ran a small group home in Livingston. Jerry found his purpose in helping others. He enjoyed driving residents to appointments, helping them with daily responsibilities, and socializing with area neighbors.
Eventually, Jerry and Cherre sold the group home and parted ways. Jerry then moved back to his hometown of Highland and spent his time with family and friends. He enjoyed a circuit of driving to Castle Rock Ridge, stopping to visit his parents and checking on his brothers at their business. He was always able to keep busy. After his dad's death, Jerry once again entered caregiver mode helping his mom when it was harder for her to get around.
When Jerry's health declined, he moved to Bloomfield Manor and thoroughly enjoyed helping out by pushing those in wheelchairs to the dining area or simply making conversation with the residents and staff. He later moved to Upland Hills NRC and once again his cheerful disposition was enjoyed by his caregivers. Jerry wasn't one to complain and offered everyone a big smile and happy conversation.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Harvey, on September 13, 1999; his mother, Anna Mae on February 2, 2017, two infant sisters, Anna Marie and Mary Jean; and a brother-in-law, John Schmitz on November 17, 1993.
He is survived by his six brothers: Ron (Betsy), Joe (Patti), Dennis (Gail), Jeff (Chris) of Highland, Dan (Linda) of Livingston and Rod (Julie) of Pelican Rapids, MN. He's also survived by his five sisters: Sandy (Rick) Gruber of Spring Green, Sue (Kenny) Schamberger of Muscoda, Rita (Tom) Jacobson and Lynn (Todd) Hebgen both of Highland and Lori (Quintin) Greene of Spring Green as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephew.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 24th at Ss. Anthony & Philip Catholic Church in Highland with burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday, January 23rd from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Saturday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. The McGurire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Upland Hills NRC would be greatly appreciated.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the wonderful caregivers our brother Jerry had throughout his life at Bloomfield Manor and Upland Hills NRC and the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care. Each of you brought joy to his life every day.
Jerry's legacy will be that he will be remembered by all as a very kind man.
McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home Highland 608-929-4815 www.houckfuneralhomes.com