Gerald K. Crary

Jerry Crary, age 69, of Hillpoint, WI, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021. He was born on May 8, 1951 to two very loving parents, Keith and Juanita “Bunny” (Stoddard) Crary. He was baptized in the Catholic faith. He married the love of his life, Donise Westphal on February 2, 1985 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillpoint.

Jerry farmed for years and was really good at it. He belonged to the Hillpoint Fire Department, and swore half of the time the fire whistle would go off when they were milking in the evening. He enjoyed farming side by side with his brother and wife. There was usually a competition of some sort doing chores with his wife. In later life in 1993 he joined the crew at Ray Meyers. Jerry got his restricted plumber’s license which enabled him to put in septics. He self-taught himself to fix and work on take-offs, called milk masters. There were times he had to figure out how to fix them, because DeLaval tech support didn’t know how. He enjoyed his customers so much. He was so proud of putting septics in with two of his sons, and nephew Scott. Marques ran the excavator and Jerry was so proud of how he ran it. He always laughed, and one time he dropped his tape measure in the bottom of the hole for the septic, and he said Marques picked it up with the excavator bucket like it was an extension of his arm.

Jerry loved the community he lived in. He loved sharing a wave or even a hello, which would turn into a 15 minute visit. He took such pride in his homestead, working side by side for over 36 years, and was the love of Donise’s life. They enjoyed the simple things in life and appreciated nature. They thanked God for the blessings they had, especially family which he adored.

From an early age, he went coon hunting with his dad, and enjoyed it for many years with his favorite dog Buddy. Donise told him he should have written a book. Another proud moment in life was coaching some of his sons in basketball, which wasn’t always a piece of cake for his sons either. In his younger years, he loved deer hunting. He was able to snag the biggest buck he had ever shot at Jeff’s cabin in Arcadia, which truly meant the world to him. He shared his passion for deer hunting with his five sons, and now his grandkids.

Probably Jerry’s favorite sport was turkey hunting. Jeff taught him and Jerry always said he wished he would have started sooner. He always said there was nothing more exciting than having a turkey gobble and answer his calls. He was always annoyed when he would hear people say “how hard could it be”?

He helped start the softball league in Hillpoint, and played many years for the Hough’s softball team. He enjoyed so many things in life. In later life, he truly enjoyed ice fishing in Minnesota with a great group of guys. This last winter he enjoyed throwing bean bags with his sons, grandsons, nephews and friends. He was always Donise’s human calculator. He could add faster in his head than she could on the calculator. Of course he passed that down through the generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Juanita Crary way too soon.  His world was devasted when he lost his son, Jeff at the young age of 38 due to a brain tumor. Jerry also was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law Don and Arlene Westphal, whom he loved and cherished like they were his own parents; and his brother-in-law Gene Hanusa.

Jerry was so proud of all of his sons, and the families they had. He was blessed with five wonderful sons, Jeff, Neil (Wendy) and Ted (Michelle), and our two sons together, Matthew (Megan) and Marques (JuliAnn). His blessings were his grandchildren, 10 in all, Kyle, Jordan, Emma, Brett, Ashley, Whitney, his little peanut Jocelynn, Kayden, Mylah and Kase Gerald. He is survived by a very special nephew, Scott Westphal, who was like a son to him; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Jerry is also survived by a special sister, Karen Hanusa; and one special brother, Terry (Peggy) Crary; brothers-in-law Kent (Karen) Westphal, who was also his boss, Keith Westphal, Darrell (Mary) Westphal, and David Westphal. His fur babies Quinny, Sophie, Oreo and Izzy will truly miss him.

Jerry lived life to the fullest. He never needed very much as long as he had his family. There won’t be a day that he will not be missed and will be loved forever. In his later years he lived by the philosophy “It is what it is”.

According to Jerry’s wishes, there will be no public services. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hillpoint, at a later date.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

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