Jerald Granger

VERONA - Jerald R. Granger, age 80, passed away at the Four Winds Manor Nursing Home. He was born May 4, 1931 in Canby, MN to Dora (McCain) and Lincoln Granger.

A graduate of Dubuque High School, Jerry had a bachelor's degree in speech therapy and a masters degree in special education administration. Jerry began his teaching career in Colorado and retired after 30 years of teaching from Ketchikan, Alaska. Jerry also served in the Army during the Korean War.

In Ketchikan, Alaska Jerry was a one-man-band-welcome-wagon to all who came to town as a teacher. Need a place to stay till you find an apartment? Jerry's place. Need to find a friend and feel connected? Jerry. He had an innate sense of the outsider and wanted everyone to feel at home. Sunday mornings his place on the beach was open to all for coffee and conversation. And, of course, a great deal of laughter. His sense of home and friends was equaled by his love of travel and exploration. When he retired from teaching Jerry put his beach house on hold and trekked to Nepal for two years with the Peace Corps, training people to work with developmentally disabled persons. He literally had friends around the world. Wherever Jerry was he truly LIVED. What could be better than that? Jerry lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by, and will be greatly missed by his sister Patty (Dave) Murray of Sun Prairie, a brother Jim Ricketts of Marquette, Iowa, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends from far and wide.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Margie Esters.

A Celebration of Life to honor Jerry's life of service to children and his ability to reach out to people through his hospitality, friendship, and sense of humor, will be held from 1 p.m to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 22, at the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, WI.