Gerald K. Bishop

Gerald K. Bishop, age 92 of Wildwood, Florida and formerly of Viroqua, died Saturday, April 19, 2008. Gerald K. Bishop, Age 92 of Wildwood, Florida and formerly of Viroqua, died Saturday, April 19, 2008. Gerald was born March 8, 1916, in Avalanche, rural Viroqua, WI to Arthur and Gunda (Borrison) Bishop. He graduated from Viroqua High School and joined the Army Air Corp. in September 1941 serving during WWII until 1945. Gerald was recalled to service, now called the U.S. Air Force, serving one year in Korea. Gerald chose to make the Air Force his career spending nine years in South Ridge, Michigan working in air craft maintenance on combat aircraft. He went on to serve at Shepherd Field and Loves Field both in Texas. Gerald was certified to repair every combat aircraft engine in service at the time, except for the Black Bird aircraft engine. He went on to serve in Germany for two years teaching aircraft maintenance where he was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in 1967.Gerald was Past Master of LaBelle Lodge #84 F.&A.M., Viroqua, WI, Member of La Crosse York Rite Bodies Cammandrey #009, Knights Templar Smith Chapter #13, La Crosse, Smith Council #10 of Wisconsin, Shriners of North America A.A.O.N.M.S., Bahia Temple, Orlando, FL, and Life member of V.F.W. Post #3032, of Viroqua, WIOn March 6, 1948 Gerald married Garda (Nelson) Schreier. Garda died in December, 1970. On October 17, 1972 Gerald married Doris (Cade) Larsen. Living in Viroqua, Gerald worked for the postal service and with Doris was active in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. In 1983 Gerald and Doris moved to Wildwood, Florida to enjoy their golden years living at Continental Country Club Retirement Village. Though retired Gerald and Doris worked at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for 12 years and were very active members. Doris died April 18, 2007.Gerald is survived by a son-in-law, Howard Call; sisters-in-law: Ester Cade and Bernice Cade; nephews and nieces.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, wife, Garda; step-daughter, Loretta Call; sister, Genevieve Rhodes; brothers: Gordon and Paul Bishop; brothers-in-law: Perry and Chester (Bob) Cade; sister-in-law: Nola Cade. A very special thanks goes out to neighbors, Maxine and Russ Nero for their exceptional care given to Gerald daily, to Bob McDonald and others for many trips while Doris was ill and to Linda Fugate and Susan Turner of Assisted Care Inc. for providing 24 hour care at his home since his stroke last August.Funeral Memorial Services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg, Florida. Pastor Thomas Church officiating, with burial and military honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made in Geralds name to The Shriners Burn Centers, Zor Shrine Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., 575 ZOR Shrine Place, Madison, WI 53719 or Bahia Temple, Orlando, FL, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Leesburg, Florida.In accordance with Gerald and Doris wishes they will be jointly buried at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg, FL is in charge of arrangements.The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua, WI is serving the family locally.