Gerald Woodrow Erwin, age 86 of Elroy WI, died Wednesday October 12, 2011 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse WI. He was formerly a resident of Valley and Hillsboro, WI.

Gerald was born on December 29, 1924 in the Township of Whitestown, the son of Judson and Rosy (Rinehart) Erwin. He grew up in the Valley area and attended the Valley School and Hillsboro High School, graduating in 1943. 

After graduation, he farmed with his parents on the family farm.  On October 3, 1954 he was united in marriage to Donna Harding. To that union 3 children were born, Janice, David and Michael Erwin.

Gerald remained on the farm working while attending Vernon County Teachers College from which he graduated in 1963.  He then taught in the Seneca, Sparta and Elroy school districts.  He continued his education at UW La Crosse as well, earning his bachelor’s degree in education on August 6, 1971.

Gerald left teaching in 1974.  He continued working at Ray O Vac in Wonewoc and in farming until his retirement in 1986.  He and Donna moved to Hillsboro in the summer of 1986 and he lived there until 2009.  He lovingly cared for Donna through her long illness until her death in January of 2001. From 2001 until 2006, he served as manager for the Hillsboro Senior Citizens Meal site.

Gerald’s first love was music and he spent many hours and good times playing guitar and sharing his musical knowledge with family and friends.  Over the years he played at many functions in the area with the Warner Creek Bluegrass Band.  He also enjoyed reading, writing poetry, debating politics, and serving as a volunteer with the Hillsboro Historical Society.  He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and was always first to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.

He is survived by: 2 children - Janice (Steven) Fick of Wonewoc and David (Kathryn) Erwin of Spanaway WA; 5 grandchildren – Heather (Samuel) Mobley, Robin Fick (Preston Hemerley), Amber Fick, Erin (Jen) Collins, and Celesta Erwin; 4 great-granchildren – Sarah Fick, Erich and Elijah Mobley and Andrew Collins; 1 sister – Coletta Allikas of Hillsboro; Brother and sisters in-law and many nieces, nephews and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, infant son, Michael and brother Ronald Erwin.