Jerry William Gant

Jerrold "Jerry" William Gant, age 75 of rural Blanchardville died at his home on the family farm, surrounded by his family, early on Monday morning, March 12, 2012. Jerry was born on July 30, 1936 in Darlington to Bernard and Lulu (Thompson) Gant. He grew up and lived his entire life on the Gant farm on Gant road in rural Blanchardville. He attended the Yellowstone rural school, Blanchardville Grade School, and graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1954. He worked with his parents and family all through grade and high school on the family farm. Following High School he joined his parents and eventually his brother Karl in running the family farm. He was later joined by his sons and his grandson in operating the farm. Once as a child Jerry was asked what nationality he was, and he responded proudly "An American Farmer!" Jerry was married on August 10, 1958 to Norma Jean Johnson at the Perry Lutheran Church. Jerry and Norma made their home on the family farm, where they have stayed 54 years. Jerry was an active life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Blanchardville. Jerry was a member of the Argyle Masonic Lodge #178 F. and A.M., the New Glarus Royal Arch Masons, the Platteville Commandery and Council, and the Zor Shrine in Madison. He was also a member of the Eastern Star of Argyle, Alpha Chapter, and after a time in his membership he progressed to becoming Worthy Grand Patron in 1983. Through the years Jerry became well known for his wit and wisdom regarding farming and rural, small-town life and was asked to speak at many farming meetings and banquets.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Norma Gant; three children, Jed (Rona) Gant, Jason Gant, and Joslyn Gant; and one brother, Karl Gant, all of Blanchardville; a brother-in-law, Noel Halverson of Stoughton; four grandchildren, Lindsey Gant, Hillary Gant, Ashley Gant and Austin Gant; two great-granddaughters, Letti and Raya Newkirk; three nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Barbara Halverson of Stoughton who died on February 23, 2012.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Blanchardville United Methodist Church with Rev. Craig Conklin officiating. An Eastern Star service will be held at 10:30 AM at the church Friday morning prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville, followed by a funeral lunch at the Blanchardville American Legion hall. Friends may call for visitation on Thursday evening, March 15, 2012 from 2:00 until 8:00 PM at the Blanchardville United Methodist Church at 101 N Main St. to be followed with a Masonic service at the church at 8:00 PM. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Southwest Health Hospice in Platteville for their loving and compassionate care.

Jerrold "Jerry" William Gant, age 75 of rural Blanchardville died at his home on the family farm, surrounded by his family, early on Monday morning, March 12, 2012. Jerry was born on July 30, 1936 in Darlington to Bernard and Lulu (Thompson) Gant. He grew up and lived his entire life on the Gant farm on Gant road in rural Blanchardville. He attended the Yellowstone rural school, Blanchardville Grade School, and graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1954. He worked with his parents and family all through grade and high school on the family farm. Following High School he joined his parents and eventually his brother Karl in running the family farm. He was later joined by his sons and his grandson in operating the farm. Once as a child Jerry was asked what nationality he was, and he responded proudly "An American Farmer!" Jerry was married on August 10, 1958 to Norma Jean Johnson at the Perry Lutheran Church. Jerry and Norma made their home on the family farm, where they have stayed 54 years. Jerry was an active life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Blanchardville. Jerry was a member of the Argyle Masonic Lodge #178 F. and A.M., the New Glarus Royal Arch Masons, the Platteville Commandery and Council, and the Zor Shrine in Madison. He was also a member of the Eastern Star of Argyle, Alpha Chapter, and after a time in his membership he progressed to becoming Worthy Grand Patron in 1983. Through the years Jerry became well known for his wit and wisdom regarding farming and rural, small-town life and was asked to speak at many farming meetings and banquets.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Norma Gant; three children, Jed (Rona) Gant, Jason Gant, and Joslyn Gant; and one brother, Karl Gant, all of Blanchardville; a brother-in-law, Noel Halverson of Stoughton; four grandchildren, Lindsey Gant, Hillary Gant, Ashley Gant and Austin Gant; two great-granddaughters, Letti and Raya Newkirk; three nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Barbara Halverson of Stoughton who died on February 23, 2012.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Blanchardville United Methodist Church with Rev. Craig Conklin officiating. An Eastern Star service will be held at 10:30 AM at the church Friday morning prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville, followed by a funeral lunch at the Blanchardville American Legion hall. Friends may call for visitation on Thursday evening, March 15, 2012 from 2:00 until 8:00 PM at the Blanchardville United Methodist Church at 101 N Main St. to be followed with a Masonic service at the church at 8:00 PM. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Southwest Health Hospice in Platteville for their loving and compassionate care.