Gerald L. Pilger

Gerald “Jerry” Pilger, 77, of Hokah, MN passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. He was born on February 28, 1941 in La Crosse, WI, to Alden “Fritz” and Bernice (Geiwitz) Pilger. Jerry was married to his lovely bride Karen (Ford) for more than 54 years.

Jerry was a proud student-athlete at Houston High School and graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1964, followed by a Master of Science in 1987. He and Karen headed to Eden Prairie for his first teaching job in 1964. He longed for his hometown roots and headed back to Hokah one year later.

Jerry then taught at Harry Spence Elementary in La Crosse for approximately 15 years where he made many dear friends. He loved teaching, coaching football and being around young people, feeling that it kept him young and connected. He finished his teaching career at Longfellow Middle School among some of his closest friends, where he retired after 33 years in education.

Jerry was very active in his local community – serving as president of the Hokah Road Knights and a member of several local church and advisory boards. Throughout his life he enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, camping and working in his yard. His biggest passion was golf, and he loved golfing with Karen and friends. Jerry and Karen were fortunate to spend the last 14 winters in Arizona, golfing and establishing many new friendships.

Jerry and Karen raised two beautiful daughters, Wendy and Debra, with love and kindness. They were blessed with four grandchildren in their lives: Nick, Sara, Max, and Ethan, and one great-granddaughter, Dorothy, who they always made time for and loved deeply. Jerry enjoyed (enthusiastically) watching his grandchildren participate in sports and life. Jerry and Karen hosted many cherished family holidays in their beautiful Fox Chase home.

Jerry is survived by his wife Karen (Ford); two children Wendy (Mark) Nelson and Debra (Erik Hansen) Pilger; four grandchildren Nick Nelson, Sara (Jake) Steines, and Max and Ethan Hansen; one great-granddaughter Dorothy Steines; a brother Dick Pilger; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tom in 1970, his father Fritz in 1991, and mother Bernice in 2005.

Jerry was a devoted husband, proud parent and happy grandfather. He will be missed dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Community Church of Hokah, 204 Main St., Hokah, MN. Pastor David Possing will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, WI on Monday from 4:30 – 7:00 PM and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.