Edwin George Gerner, 81 of Arena, WI/Mesa, AZ and formerly New Glarus/Blanchardville, WI, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Citadel Post Acute in Mesa, AZ shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He spent his last days with his children, Steve (Jody), Jennifer, Becky and sister, Sally. Ed was born on November 25, 1943, to Leslie & Enola (Schultz) Gerner in West Bend, WI and was named after both of his grandfathers. When he was five, the family moved to Whitewater, WI and Ed graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961. Then, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course. Ed married Bonnie J. Stricker on October 22, 1966, celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary before her passing on June 12, 2020. Ed & Bonnie started their farming career on the family home farm for a short time before moving to a farm outside of Monticello where Steve & Jennifer were born. In 1974, they made a move to Blanchardville, WI where they purchased their first farm. And then came along Becky, their third child. After he retired from farming, he enjoyed driving semi cross country and loved his runs to Texas. He was a cowboy at heart. Ed was a member of the Adams Lutheran Church and volunteered his time on the church board, served as a leader for the York 4-H club in Blanchardville, mentored many youths in the dairy industry along with helping out the Green County Ag Chest. Ed loved dancing with his wife to polka music, spending time with family, playing card games & enjoyed football, basketball & volleyball, especially the Packers and Badgers. He always looked forward to March Madness while being a snowbird in Mesa, AZ. He loved to work in his shop with his woodworking for “Papa’s Creations” and selling his work at farmers markets in neighboring towns. He enjoyed his Sunday morning coffee with the guys (Duane, Doug, & John). Ed made many friends from across the country and Canada; he was loved by many for his humor and could be counted on to make you smile.
Ed is survived by his children, Steve (Jody) Gerner, Jennifer (Brian) Engstad and Becky Sturdevant. Grandchildren, Toni, Max (Emma), Jacob, Lucas, Thomas, Taylor (Malcolm) & Abigail. Great-grandchildren, Amaya & Amyre. A brother, Dan (Ann) Gerner, Richland Center; four sisters, Nancy Gerner, Madison; Gayle (Allen) Pierce; Lacrosse; Debbie (Tom) Ferguson, Janesville; Sally (Dennis) Wellnitz, Whitewater. Sister-in-law, Judy Wilhelmi, Houston, TX & brother-in-law Jim (Linda) Stricker, Monroe. Many nieces and nephews and extended families.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, a son-in-law, Chad, a sister, Vicki, a brother, Mike, and a brother-in-law, Peter.
A gathering and memorial service is planned for late spring at the Adams Lutheran Church, Argyle, WI.
The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
