Bill Gerrard

Michael William Gerrard (Bill) of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2017 surrounded by his family. Bill was born July 23, 1924 in La Crosse, WI. He attended Aquinas High School, Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated from the University Wisconsin Madison in 1947 with a degree in Business.

He founded Gerrard Realty Corp. in La Crosse, WI in 1954, his legacy thrives today at Gerrard Hoeschler Realtors.

He was an entrepreneur, real estate broker, and lobbyist. He worked tirelessly to elect two of Wisconsin’s most influential governors, Patrick Lucey and Tommy Thompson.

Wisconsin benefited from his wisdom, expertise, and way with people. In the 1960s, he served several terms on the Wisconsin Real Estate Examing Board. In the early 1970s, he served as party chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. His fundraising skills helped strengthen the party state wide.

In the 1970s and 80s, Bill served two terms on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. He was appointed by Governor Lucy and reappointed by Governor Dreyfus. While serving as chair of the Real Estate Committee, Bill was instrumental in developing the University of Wisconsin Madison Research Park, an area to house the cutting-edge research done at UW Madison.

He was affectionately known in Wisconsin political circles as Uncle Billy. He was a deal-maker, but also always a champion for those less fortunate. He was a cherished father and grandfather, filled with funny expressions and always asked “what can I do for you” and really meant it.

To his children, grandchildren, and friends, he was larger than life; the last of a great generation. He was a generous and gracious gentleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Merrylyn (Murphy) Gerrard, his wife Anna Nancy Hyde Gerrard and his son Michael William Gerrard Jr.

He is survived by his sister Ann (Gerrard) Harmon, his children Mary Ann, Nancy (Rick Staff), Paul, Katherine, and Peter Gerrard. Grandchildren Gretchen Gerrard, Avery, Will, and Fritz Scheuch, Erin and Anna Smith, Alex, Grace, and Olivia Gerrard, Laura, Lucas and Giana Gerrard.

If you would like to make a contribution in Bill’s name, contributions can be sent to:

JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (granddaughter affected)

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (granddaughter affected)

The Autism Foundation (grandson affected)

The Gerrard family would like to give special thanks to Bernice Frisch, his incredible Madison support; his wonderful nurse Tami Benson; caregivers Margaret O’Meara and Steve Scheuch; and CNAs Christy and Jen. And a big shout out to all the students and staff at La Crosse Exercise and Health Program at UWL.

Services for Bill will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 beginning with eulogies by special friends at 11:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM, all at the Roncalli Newman Center, 1732 State Street, La Crosse. Rev. Billy Dodge and Rev. Robert J. Cook will concelebrate. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse, 200 West Avenue So., on Friday, April 21 ^st from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com .