Jerome Storlie

He said he didn’t want a production after he passed.  In fact, he told us while employed, he would call-in when needing a day off work with this brief message, “Storlie…sick.”

Upon retirement, he told the office, “Storlie…retired.”  The only obituary he wanted was, “Storlie…died…uff da.”

If you knew Jerry, you knew he preferred to keep his business “close to the t-shirt.”  He would rather not say anything than tell a lie.  He had some high standards: do what’s right, be respectful and honest, and help others in need.  Jerr-Bear could be a bear, but he believed we would be stronger because of it.  With this in mind, the following is a brief sketch of some highlights in this complex but caring man’s 88 years.  Some are from stories gleaned only from the local newspapers; others are from conversations with family and friends.

Jerry was a second generation American, born on a dairy farm in Deerfield, WI.  His strict Norwegian upbringing left little room for fun or games.  Already toddling to the chicken coop at two years of age, tightly holding Sister Hazel’s dress, to gather eggs for breakfast, he was soon hauling full milk cans from barn to milk house and assisting with the planting and harvest.  All came before homework.  Unbeknownst to his children, he still made it to the Honor Roll, was Junior Class President, in a comedy play, played basketball and football.  As a member of St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church, he was Confirmed and served as a junior usher.

While “cruising the Avenue” with buddies, Jerry met Joanne in Madison.  They dated, married and within months he was drafted to the Army, headed for Korea.  His two year stint found him specializing as a Lineman.  Returning home he began the American Dream, four kids, numerous pets and used cars, with a part time job to supplement his full time work at the Deerfield Creamery Company, as a carrier for the US Postal Service in Madison and as an arborist for the Dane County Parks System.  He also made the time to coach the boys Little League softball team, take Deb horseback riding and walk with Amy in the UW Arboretum.  He was a dedicated “union man”, active in his AFSCME Local and twice ran for Alderman in Madison.  Even though he didn’t win those elections, he continued to participate in area politics.  He worked the polls and gave blood regularly.

We know Jerry struggled in his communications with humans, but as a life-long learner, he was a master teacher when it came to animals and nature.  Many of our best memories revolve around the walks we enjoyed together.  He was forever saying, “Look it up, get outside, ride your bike, find something new.”  He taught us to identify trees by the shape of the leaves, bark and growth, wild flowers and weeds (pickable and untouchable), how not to get lost in the woods (tree moss indicates North, sun position East and West), how to smell rain and snow on the wind, to identify birds and ducks by call and wing beat, and the difference between gophers and chipmunks.  Perhaps his greatest gift to us, Dane County and the Town of Madison revolved around his passion for trees.  When, where and what to plant, and equally important, how to trim them so their magnificence would remain for the enjoyment of future generations. Little did we know he was publicly recognized for these contributions in his later years. Even his license plate read, TREESRUS.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, George and Josephine (nee Stromme) Storlie of Deerfield, WI, sisters Bessie Jasper of Madison, Myrtle Nordness of Stoughton, Agnes Lambert of Milwaukee, brothers Gordon and Ramon, and nephews David, Tom, Rick and Owen all of Deerfield.

Jerry leaves behind his sister Hazel (Eddie) Keller of Deerfield, his former wife Joanne Storlie of Madison, daughters Amy (John) Aagaard of Springdale and Deb (Bruce) Hamilton of Janesville, sons Bruce Storlie of Evansville and Craig (Christina Klock) Storlie of Tucson, AZ, granddaughters Kailey and Bria, grandsons Devon, Lucas, Eric and Jeremy, and great-grandchildren Xanders and Naeli, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

As he adamantly requested, there will be no ceremony, no public farewell.  Instead, love your family and friends, and plant a tree in memory of Jerry.  Memorials can be made to St Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church.

Our appreciation goes to the entire staff at Sylvan Crossings Memory Care of Fitchburg, the South Team at Agrace of Madison, and Jessica at Cress Funeral and Cremation Service of Deerfield for their support of Jerry and the family.

Please share your memories of Jerry by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

201 Bue Street, PO Box 376, Deerfield

(608) 764-5369