Gerald Oscar Mittelstaedt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Gerald (Jerry) Oscar Mittelstaedt, who left us on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the age of 87, following a heart attack at the U.W. Hospital. 

Born on July 12, 1937, to Bernice and Oscar Mittelstaedt in Mauston, Wisconsin, Jerry graduated from Wonewoc High School. He went on to build a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Jerry’s humor, warmth, and positive outlook on life made him a beloved figure to everyone who knew him. 

Jerry developed his love of operating graders while serving in the Army in Guam, where he was responsible for creating airport runways. His expertise with graders became well-known, and many local companies benefitted from his skill. He was widely regarded as one of the best grader operators around. In his later years, Jerry shared his extensive knowledge of graders and heavy equipment with others at the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Training Center, teaching and mentoring newcomers to the industry. 

An avid euchre player, Jerry passed down his love for the game to his grandchildren, and at family gatherings, euchre games were always in full swing. He also enjoyed puzzles and was a dedicated fan of the Wisconsin State Journal Sudoku. 

Surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, Jerry’s spirit of joy and kindness will live on through those closest to him. He was a man who cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, and his laughter, wit, and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen, of Waunakee, and their children: Linda (David) Gissing of Monroe, Joel (Karen) Mittelstaedt of Roxbury, and grandchildren: Brandon, Garret, Kelly Mittelstaedt (Edergton), Tim Christianson of Madison, Peter (Robin) Christianson of Waunakee, and grandchildren: Drew, Hailey, and Erin Christianson (Jason Lenzer) Edgerton. 

He is also survived by his siblings: LaNita (Wayne) Sheil, Diane Wafle, Dewey (Gloria) Mittelstaedt, Puny (Holly) Mittelstaedt, and his sister-in-law Joan Mittelstaedt, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and greatnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Bernice Mittelstaedt, his brother Jimmy Mittelstaedt, his brother-in-law Pat Wafle, and his nephew Craig Sheil. 

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Monday January 20, 2025 at the Winn Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI  53597, with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jerry’s memory to La Valle Fire Rescue Association, Inc. that was dear to him. (La Valle Fire Rescue Association, Inc. PO Box 281 La Valle, WI 53941)

Jerry’s legacy of love, humor, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know him

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513