Gerald Houtler

Madison - Gerald "Jerry" W. Houtler, age 89, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg. He was born on February 20, 1922 in Madison, the son of John and Gertrude (Duppen) Houtler. Jerry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice M. Haight on September 1, 1947 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison. Together they raised four children. Family time was very important to Jerry and Janice. Every year they would go on family camping trips. These memories will be cherished forever. Jerry served his country honorably as a U.S. Marine and was wounded in Okinawa during World War II. He was employed as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement after 35 years. Jerry was a lifelong golfer, enjoyed growing his beautiful roses and gardening. Jerry is survived by his four children, Lynn Abbott of Madison, Neil (Monica) Houtler of Greenfield, Bruce (Kris) Houtler of Reedsburg, and Marilee (Dave Tubb) Houtler of Townsend; five grandchildren, Sarah, John, Emily, Donovan and Hannah; a great-grandchild, Jayne; and two sisters, Frances Topp and Alice Kelley. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2011 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jerry to the Henry Vilas Zoo, Attn: Christina Ahlansberg, 606 S. Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715. The family would like to thank the staff at HospiceCare Inc. for being such wonderful people and taking excellent care of Jerry in his final days. Jerry's gentle humorous teasing will be sorely missed. He was always dedicated to his family, and proud to instill his values. We miss you and will love you always.