Gerald Robert “Jerry” Vannoy
January 23, 1940 – August 30, 2025
Gerald Robert Vannoy, known fondly as Jerry, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on a farm in Kearny, Nebraska, in 1940, Jerry was the second of four children of Robert William and Helen (Lobb) Vannoy.
Jerry’s early years were spent in Nebraska before the family moved to Woodstock, Illinois, and later to Whitewater, Wisconsin. A graduate of Whitewater High School, he played football and served as captain of a team remembered as “The Team with Heart.” That same spirit of determination and loyalty stayed with him throughout life, and the friendships he built on the field endured for decades, with teammates continuing to gather faithfully to this day. Jerry carried his love of sports throughout his life—he was an avid fan of the Packers and the Badgers, and he especially enjoyed watching his children compete and his grandchildren perform at games, concerts, and recitals. He did his best to be there, no matter the distance or the time.
After high school, Jerry attended the Farm Short Course at UW-Madison and went on to run his own farm. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Carol Louise O’Donald, on a blind date arranged by his sister Patti. Jerry and Carol were married soon after, beginning 62 years of marriage built on love and devotion. Their honeymoon was spent at a fishing cabin, a fitting start to a life filled with farming, family, fishing, hunting, and countless outdoor adventures.
Jerry’s life was marked by adventure and simplicity. He loved early mornings in the woods, peaceful days on the water, and the satisfaction of hard work and watching things grow. He traveled widely, creating cherished memories with friends and family across the country.
While his roots were in farming, Jerry later built a second career in the insurance business.
Jerry was a man of action more than words—he lived out his faith in the way he treated people and the way he worked every day. His life itself was his greatest testimony, showing what it meant to live with generosity and quiet strength. In his final days, the many stories shared by friends and acquaintances revealed how deeply he had touched lives far beyond his immediate family.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” — Colossians 3:23–24. His legacy of family, faith, and love for the outdoors will live on in all who knew him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Vannoy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and his sisters Patti (Vannoy) Vochatzer, Barbara Jean (Vannoy) Jones, and Nancy (Vannoy) Schippers. Together, Jerry and Carol raised four children: Tamberlyn Louise (Jon) Dickinson, Kimberlyn Sue (Todd) Harrington, Michael Gerald (Ashlea) Vannoy, and Julie Ann (Josh) Nelson. He was also the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren: Christopher, Austin, Jack, Corrin, Zoey, Joelle, Cecilia, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, Grace, Isabella, and Robert.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Agrace for their compassionate care, which made it possible for Jerry to spend his final days in the comfort of home surrounded by family.
Funeral Services for Gerald will take place at Nitardy Funeral Homes in Whitewater, WI on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM. until the time of the service.
Memorials in Gerald’s name can be made to Agrace Hospice.
Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
