Gerald Duesing was born on December 7, 1924 in Medford to Ervin and Mary (Loeffler) Duesing. He attended elementary schools in Medford and attended Westboro High School where he graduated in 1942.
He served in the U.S. Army for two years and on February 17, 1946 he married Betty Dodge and she preceded him in death on March 29, 2002. They lived in the Medford area on various farms while Jerry worked at a factory, as well as running the farm with his wife. He also worked various jobs throughout the years of raising his children. Jerry worked at the Medford Creamery, Kress Dairy, Hurd and Weathershield Window factories. He also operated a corn delivery business to various farms throughout the state for a few years. He then began working in the woods for many years until his retirement.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford. Jerry was an avid baseball player in his younger years, he never went anywhere without his baseball glove and shoes in case someone needed him to fill in on a team. He eventually switched to slow pitch softball, but not until he was 45 years old and continued playing until he was 70. He was still a great pitcher and hitter.
Of course music has always been a part of Jerry’s life since he was very young. On the farm there were many jam sessions with all kinds of talented relatives; singing along with the guitars and piano were always a part of family gatherings no matter where the parties took place. Jerry and Betty had a band called Betty, Jerry and the Ranch Hands and they played for many wedding receptions, reunions, private parties and in taverns throughout the area. Throughout Jerry’s life, he never went without his guitar in case someone needed him to entertain them. His guitar was his #1 love throughout his life.
Jerry was an avid fisherman and hunter; he always had many great stories to tell someone about some of those adventures.
Survivors include his children: Lance (Mary) of Franklin, Nancy (Joe) Wojcik of Medford, Beverly Duesing of Colfax, Rick (Bev) of Medford, Jim (Lynn) of Hastings, Minnesota, Sherry (Jim) Slocum of St. Paul, Minnesota and Sheila (Significant Other: Phil Lewandowski) of Medford; a sister: Norma (Walter) Anderson of Little Black; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also survived by Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives and Many Friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Melvin and Leslie and Harvey, who died at age 3; sisters: Eldora Lissner and Marion Duesing
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jerry’s name to Hope Hospice 537 W. Broadway Avenue Medford, Wisconsin 54451. Hemer Funeral Homes of Medford and Rib Lake is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
