Gerald “Jake” Emery

Gerald “Jake” Emery, 90, passed away in the presence of family members June 1, 2016 at Hess Memorial Hospital in Mauston, WI, following complications from a fall.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rosemary (Michel), daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Leonard Kluge Jr., also of Mauston, a sister, Selma Ruda of Baraboo, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Emery, brothers David, Alvin “Pete”, Lester, Russell “Butch”, and Arnold “Bill”, and sisters Luella and Evelyn.

Gerald was born on July 21, 1925 in the Blackhawk/Spring Green area of Wisconsin to George A. and Martha (Schrofer) Emery, growing up around Baraboo. He was a WWII veteran from 1944-1946 serving in the European Theatre as a Combat Rifleman, Command Officer Driver, and Prisoner Escort during the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. Following discharge, he returned to Wisconsin settling in Mauston, where he met and married Rosemary Michel in 1949. Gerald worked with his brothers in the A&L Auto Parts and Sporting Goods business, eventually moving to Baraboo in 1962 to manage a branch facility. He later worked for Baraboo Sporting Goods for several years. Gerald was a member and past Noble Grand of the I.O.O.F Lodge in Mauston and Portage for 66 years.

In 1984 Gerald and Rosemary moved to Southern California to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. He immediately went to work managing another sporting goods store and large Schwinn bicycle dealership. In those 30+ years prior to returning to Wisconsin, he enjoyed family trips around California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii, going to horse shows and race tracks with his daughter, and car shows and drag races with his son-in-law. As an animal lover, he thoroughly enjoyed all the family pets over the years that included several horses, dogs, cats, and even a pot-bellied pig (Piggysue), that used to let herself in through the patio door to escape the heat and lay by his chair in the living room. He was a kind-hearted, compassionate man that would help anyone if he could. He was extremely quiet and a man of few words; but when he spoke, you had better listen. Anyone who knew Jake respected his utmost integrity. He will be missed by many.

A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for 12:00 noon, Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Mauston Cemetery, corner of Martin and Attewell streets, with a luncheon following at the Methodist Church, 420 Suszycki Drive (off Milwaukee St.). Rev. Jeffrey Fairchild will officiate the ceremony. Condolences may be sent to 416 Milwaukee St., Mauston, WI 53948.