Gerald R. Gifford
Jan 24th, 1942 - Feb 15th, 2012
Gerald R. Gifford, 70, of Elmwood, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer with his wife at his side.
He was born on January 24, 1942 in Eau Claire to Robert and Marie (Kirkwood) Gifford. He attended Hillard Grade School and then graduated from Mondovi High School. He served in the U. S. Army from 1960 to 1962 in Germany. Gerald farmed in the Eleva Strum area, owned and operated a milk truck route with his brother-in-law, Bud Bahr and later was a semi driver for various trucking companies including Brunzlick Trucking and Walmart. Gerald married Mary Schlegel on February 25, 2004 in Las Vegas, NV. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, going to auctions and was an avid Packer fan. He took pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Mary of Elmwood; one son, Kevin Gifford of Mondovi; two daughters, Tamara (Wayne) Guenther of Strum and Theresa "Jo" (Dan) Olson of Strum; seven stepchildren, Bill (Cindy) Schlegel of Baldwin, Mike (Jill) Schlegel of Hudson, Tony (Deanna) Schlegel of Zimmerman, MN, Paul Schlegel of Elmwood; Beth Schlegel (Scott Sieracki) of Spring Valley, Ted Schlegel of Woodville and Tim Schlegel of Woodville; eight grandchildren, Haley, Garrett and Kalie Gifford, Lucas Johnson, Eric and Edwin Guenther, Nathan Olson (special friend, Krissy Narva) and Evan (Brittany) Olson; one great grandchild, Ashlyn Olson; thirteen step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; two sisters, Iva Bahr of Eleva and Norma E. Ward of Mondovi; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Gifford of Eleva and Gertie Gifford of Mondovi; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Warren Gifford and a brother-in-law, Bud Bahr.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Kjentvet - Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi with Vonnie Olson officiating. The Mondovi Veteran's Group will conduct military rites following the funeral.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi and for one hour before the service at the funeral home on Monday.
Visit www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com to offer on-line condolences.
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Recent Condolences
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michelle berg so sorry tim. My thoughts are still with you and your family.
April 4 at 7:13am
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Jim Quast I will miss the breakfasts at Ray's truckstop. Gift and Marys stories about their travels to Mexico. Like the time Giff got a haircut, I still laugh about that. It will not be the same,stoping there and not seeing My buddy Giff. He will always make me smile when I think about, him. Truck em safe Giff you will be missed.
February 19 at 2:16pm
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Cindy Williams My sincerest condolances for your loss.
Cindy Williams
Fox Valley MetrologyFebruary 17 at 10:10am
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Ron Wampole (Karen) I, Ron, grew up with Gerald as youngsters, class mates at Hillard grade school. He then went to Mondovi and I to Eleva Strum. I just found out a few years ago at a Gifford/Cleasby reunion that we were relatives. We, my wife Karen & I met at one of their reunions in Mondovi city campground park. Had a great time visiting. Gerald will be greatly missed. We played together at the farm as teenagers. His name is always mentioned when ever we go by the home farm. You have our deepest condolences. Ron & Karen Wampole
February 17 at 9:57am
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Ron Wampole (Karen) I, Ron, grew up with Gerald as youngsters, class mates at Hillard grade school. He then went to Mondovi and I to Eleva Strum. I just found out a few years ago at a Gifford/Cleasby reunion that we were relatives. We, my wife Karen & I met at one of their reunions in Mondovi city campground park. Had a great time visiting. Gerald will be greatly missed. We played together at the farm as teenagers His name is always mentioned when ever we go by the home farm. You have our deepest condolences. Ron & Karen Wampole
February 17 at 9:55am
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