WILLIAM GERALD “JERRY” HUMPHREYS
WILLIAM GERALD “JERRY” HUMPHREYS
William Gerald “Jerry” Humphreys of Marshfield, WI, and formerly from Hixton, WI, passed away peacefully Dec. 9 surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born Dec. 21, 1944, in Black River Falls to William and Marian (Beirne) Humphreys. Jerry was raised in the village of Sechlerville, WI, and attended the Hixton Schools, graduating with the class of 1963 in Black River Falls.
Sechlerville always had a special place in Jerry’s heart. He described his childhood as idyllic, often recalling his friends and the life they had there - The Turtle Pond, Smith’s Pond, etc. He shared an exceptionally strong bond with his maternal grandfather, Henry “Hank” Beirne. He was often heard quoting some of his grandpa’s favorite sayings.
After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. He served from 1963-1967, with most of that time spent in Vietnam. He was a distinguished, highly decorated and valiant soldier and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during combat.
Following his discharge from the Marine Corp, Jerry worked a variety of careers, starting out as a Wisconsin state trooper and later as the chief of police in Belle Fourche, SD. He then entered into the health care field and worked for a lab in Fort Meade, SD, and then at the lab at Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI. He finished his working career in the security department at the Marshfield Clinic. He retired in October 2014.
In 1969, he married Christine Simonson. To this marriage three daughters were born, Kirsten, Jennifer and Courtney. Jerry and Chris later divorced.
In 1997, he married Bonita “Bonnie” Ballenger at his mother’s home in Black River Falls. They celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage in July 2022.
Jerry’s true loves revolved around his family. He was a master storyteller. His main character being the throat-ripping bear or the TR bear as he became affectionately known.
He was so proud of his three daughters, as they grew into the successful, young women they are today. His sons-in-law, Chris and David, also claimed a special place in his heart as they became part of the family.
He loved his grandchildren dearly, William “Will” Halverson, who is his namesake, and Olivia “Via” Halverson, as she is called in the “sports-world.” He was so proud of the well-rounded young adults they have become and their accomplishments, academically, athletically and socially. Harlow, the newest and youngest member of the family, won his heart the first time he saw her. His big regret is that he will not be able to watch her grow up. Alayna came into our lives as Kirsten’s stepdaughter, but soon our special and oldest granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Kirsten (Chris) Halverson, Jennifer Humphreys and Courtney (David) Potter; his grandchildren, Alayna, William and Olivia Halverson and Harlow Emma Potter; his brother, Mark (Kate) Skolos; and nieces Lauren and Annika; his brother, Paul Skolos; and his sister, Patti Shannon and her children, Stefanie and Tim and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlyle and Marian Skolos; brother Mickey Humphreys; nephew Michael Shannon; grandparents Henry and Ruth Beirne; and his father, William Humphreys.
There will be a memorial service Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton, WI. The service will begin at 11 a.m., led by Eldon Simonson, and will be followed by military rites. The family will receive visitors from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to invite all visitors/mourners to a luncheon, which will be held at the funeral home immediately after the service.
The Jensen- Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-963-2311.