Gerald A.  “Jerry” Milestone, age 80, a lifelong farmer of Shullsburg, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.  He was born June 24, 1936, the second of eight children of Clarence and Ulrika “Toots” Milestone in Rockford, Ill.  He was united in marriage to Martha Marie Studier on Aug. 1, 1959 in Galena, Ill.   Jerry graduated from Shullsburg High School, the Class of 1954. Jerry lived most of his life in the Shullsburg area where he farmed with his family.
Jerry and Martha were blessed with four children: David (Sue Monson) Milestone of Shullsburg, Douglas Milestone of Shullsburg, Mitchelle (Jeff) Brubaker of German Valley, Ill., and Dirk (Donna Schmitt) Milestone  of Shullsburg; four grandchildren: Jeremy, McKenzie, Johnathon, and Trevor; two great-grandchildren: Cora and Corbin; six siblings: Donna (Bill) Stratton of Montana, Mary Ann Watson of Whitehall, Ruth Ann (Tom) Galbreath of Arkansas, Karen Kay Orchard of Arizona, Randy (Scotti) Milestone of Iowa, and Linda Rahn of Florida;  one brother-in-law: David (Deanna) Studier of Dubuque, Iowa; one sister-in-law: Ethel Studier of Cuba City; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Martha in 1999, one brother and sister- in-law: Carroll (Dawne) Milestone; and three brothers-in-law: Charlie Watson, Jerry Rahn, and John Orchard.
Jerry was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington.  He was an active and generous member of Shullsburg Lions Club and always enjoyed serving for Lafayette County’s Dairy Breakfast on farms throughout the county. Jerry was an avid Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and above all Shullsburg Miner fan and was always a generous supporter of the school and their athletics. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always spoiling them rotten. His family will cherish the memories they created together forever. Jerry’s bantering and belly laughs will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  Jerry has to go now, there are cows to milk, chores to do, and hay down!
A funeral service will be held Monday, June 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay Street, Darlington) with Rev. Craig Simenson officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held Sunday, June 25, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement Street, Shullsburg) and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church in Darlington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name.