Obituary: Gerard F. "Jerry" Carey - Class of 1954

MADISON - Gerard F. "Jerry" Carey, age 74, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at the Anderson HospiceCare Center after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Irene (Beyer) Carey.
Jerry was raised in Madison in a lakefront home, where he spent many hours fishing, sailing and iceboating. He graduated from Central High School in 1954 and went on to study pharmacy at UW-Madison, eventually receiving his master's degree in that field. While at the UW, Jerry played in the University Band program, demonstrating a love for music that he would carry with him the rest of his life.

A man tirelessly dedicated to his faith, family and friends, Jerry generously shared his time and many talents to improve the lives of those he encountered on life's journey. As a skilled handyman, he was always willing to help friends and neighbors with household projects, even after coming home from a long day working at the three apartment buildings he managed near the UW campus. As a steadfastly devoted husband, he supported his wife, Charlotte, in her involvement in many women's groups. As a loving father, Jerry volunteered countless hours for Cub Scout Pack 33 and Boy Scout Troop 29 when his son, Bill, was a member of each. Many more people undoubtedly benefited from his chosen occupation as a pharmacist, a job he thoroughly enjoyed even into his "golden years" -- especially the 14 years he worked at the Medicine Shoppe on Monona Drive.

Jerry was especially proud to have served his country as a member of the 32nd Division Army Band, which was called to active duty at Ft. Lewis, Wash., during the Berlin crisis in 1961. He formed close bonds with many of the band members and helped to organize reunions for the group in 2002 and 2007.

Hard as it may be to believe, Jerry did find time to relax. His favorite pastimes involved spending quality time with his family: going on camping trips with his wife and their son, touring Europe and Alaska, attending Madison Symphony concerts and, of course, watching the Badgers and Packers win! Earlier this month, he got his final wish: to cheer the Packers to victory in the Super Bowl.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Charlotte; son and daughter-in-law, William Carey and Mary Myers-Carey of Powell, Ohio; brother, Art Carey of Madison; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts, uncles and first cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Michael Hippee officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. praying of the rosary. An additional visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Requiem Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses of the in-home HospiceCare team and the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 20, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)