Gerald Gleason

Gerald “Jerry” Gleason, 80, passed away February 16, 2016.

Jerry was born August 14, 1935, to Alice (Ehrke) and Howard Gleason in Winona, Minnesota. Jerry was married to Karen (Meistad) for 47 years. They had two children Tim Gleason of Winona and Chris (Erin) Gleason of Sun Prairie. Jerry took great pleasure in his 2 grandchildren Miles and Emma Gleason, Sun Prairie. Jerry is further survived by one brother, Bob Gleason, Winona; and one half brother, Tom Eltrich (Cathleen) Kansas City.

Jerry was a lifelong music educator. He taught for over 40 years in both the public and private schools. He graduated from Winona High School and earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Winona State in 1959. He taught in the school districts of Arcadia, Durand, and La Crosse and was the principal of the Catholic School in Arcadia for a number of years. He served on numerous Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) committees throughout the years and enjoyed being an adjudicator for solo & ensemble events.

Jerry enjoyed buying cars – used cars with many miles and then repairing them. He also was a frequent shopper on eBay finding deals on Hummels and other treasured items. He loved the river and the beauty of the LaCrosse area. He would often take a trip up to Red Wing in one of his convertibles. He cheered on his favorite teams the Packers, Badgers, and the Winona Winhawks.

Jerry was a passionate husband, father, grandfather, and educator. He touched the lives of thousands of students. All of those who had the privilege of knowing Jerry Gleason are better because of it.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Jerry’s wonderful life will be held 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 20, 2016, at St. Joseph The Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St., La Crosse, Wis. Msgr. Charles Stoetzel will officiate with burial to be held in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass in the Cathedral on Saturday. A lunch will follow at Pogreba Restaurant, 1232 Avon St., La Crosse, Wis.

Memorials may be made to either the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools, 1570 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987 or to the Wisconsin School Music Association – Middle Level Honors Project http://www.foundation4schoolmusic.org/ then click “Donate Now”