Gerald Wesley Babcock

Gerald Wesley Babcock, age 87, of Oxford, Wisconsin was called home to be with his wife of 59 years Beverly Mae Babcock (Orsburne) on Saturday, February 27, 2016.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date at the Mauston City Cemetery, Mauston, Wisconsin.

Gerald “Jerry” was born November 25, 1928 in Mauston to Frederick and Daisy (Burlingame) Babcock. Gerald was the oldest boy of thirteen children; three brothers and nine sisters. Gerald was a devoted family man who grew up in the depression and knew the value of hard work. He spent his life providing for his wife and four children. Family also referred to Gerald as the family caretaker; if anyone needed anything, it was Gerald that was there for them. He was a magnet for children of all ages and loved children dearly. Gerald enjoyed Western movies and his hero was John Wayne. Gerald was loved by all and was a great story teller; he could captivate a room with old stories of his life.

Gerald is survived by three of his five children; His “one and only” Daughter Joan Heim of Oxford; son, Jerry (Sherry) Babcock of Oxford; and “the baby” Gary Babcock (Christine) of San Antonio, Texas. He has 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Gerald’s siblings, Katherine Kosch, Rosemary Biex, Doris Sines, Edward Babcock, and Bernard “Buzzy” Babcock will miss their big brother dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 59 years, Beverly, and his sons Gerald Wesley Junior, and Daniel Joseph.

Gerald made a great impression in his short time at Fair View Home in Mauston. The staff often commented on how happy, kind and sweet he was. Gerald’s family would like to express their deepest and sincerest thanks to all the staff at Fair View and Mile Bluff Medical Center for being equally kind and sweet and making his final days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in Gerald’s memory to the Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation. http://www.milebluff.com/our-foundation/ways-to-give.html