Obituary of Gerald Allen Markuson

Gerald Allen Markuson, age 71, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Monday June 1, 2015 at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 8, 2015 at Port Edwards United Methodist Church. Rev. David Guse will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Herman-Taylor funeral Home will be assisting the family. Jerry was born on December 6, 1943 to Clifford and Cecelia (Hubner) Markuson in Little Falls, MN. He married Patricia Ann Odell on June 14, 1969 in Mora, MN. Gerald served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. He graduated from UM Minnesota. Jerry moved the family to many different cities where he worked as a food ingredients scientist and consultant to numerous manufacturing plants. During his last 10 years before retirement Jerry worked as a consultant to companies that produced dry products and was a designer of flavors that they used to enhance the product. Jerry loved sports; he enjoyed coaching soccer, softball and wrestling. Jerry attended the very first Minnesota Vikings game and was a lifelong fan; but try as he might Jerry could never get his children or grandchildren to become fans. Jerry was very involved with the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and adult leadership; he was a dedicated member for over 40 years. Jerry was an avid reader and over the years collected hundreds of books; he shared his love for them by reading with his grandchildren at every opportunity. Jerry is survived by his wife Pat, sons: Chad (Heather) Markuson of Moorehead, MN, and Blaine (Stacey) Markuson of Sparta, WI, daughter Judy (Harry) Pilkington of Lawton, OK; grandchildren: Andrew Chamberlain, Brandon Chamberlain, Nicholas Chamberlain, Stephanie Chamberlain, Kira Markuson, Kiley Markuson, Noah Markuson, Courtney Markuson, Maci Markuson and Liam Markuson; brother Steve Markuson of Minnesota and sister Cheryl (Jack) Allander of Arizona; niece Ellen (Mark) Montean, nephews: D.J. (Bernadette) Wozniak, Adam (Amy) Markuson; great-nephews : Levi Markuson and Archer Montean as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins and his beloved dog, Barney. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother in-law Arthur and Vera Odell and niece Annette Wozniak. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Boy Scouts Troop #105 or the Shih Tzu Rescue of Central WI.