Gerald P. Carraher

Gerald "Jerry" P. Carraher, age 64 of Holmen died Thursday, April 14, 2011. Gerald "Jerry" P. Carraher, age 64 of Holmen completed his earthly journey on Thursday, April 14, 2011 surrounded by many members of his loving family. Jerry was born on May 4, 1946 in Chicago, ILL, the 6th child and 1st son of Phillip and Kathleen (Wieck) Carraher. Jerry graduated from Weston High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where he met his wife, Vicky White. Jerry and Vicky were blessed with two children and celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2011. Jerry was a letter carrier for the Onalaska Post Office prior to his retirement. Despite the debilitating effects of pancreatic cancer, Jerry completed his own personal bucket wish list, beginning with joining his 11 brothers and sisters at a family wedding in Texas, a trip to Seattle to spend time with family, many trips to Lodi to encourage his grandson through another season of basketball, as well as a final trip to the Kohl Center to cheer on his beloved Badger basketball team. Jerry's interests, talents and skills were numerous and included tennis, biking, volleyball, mission trips, and cards. Despite his gentle nature, he was a true competitor with a shrewd mind and natural athletic prowess. He took particular pleasure in achieving in bridge, the status of Life Master. Yet his love for these activities paled in comparison to Jerry's true passion, his love of family, friends and his God. He was an active and committed member of the Onalaska Church of Christ and found great strength and solace in his faith. In addition to his wife, Vicky, Jerry is survived by one daughter, Cari Michel of Lodi; two grandsons, Derek and Jacob Michel; 11 siblings: Phyllis (Dick) Schneden of Delmar, IA, Patricia (Tom) McAndrews of Clarinda, IA, Jan (Don) Farrell of Delmar, IA, Judy Hoffman of Madison, Margo (Ken) Sommer of Chester, VA, Camilla Carraher of Corpus Christi, TX, Gloria (Don) Horrell of Seattle, WA, Kathy (Brent) Hauan of North Branch, MN, Tom (Val) Carraher of Ishpeming, MI, Laura (Wayne) Yust of North Branch, MN, and Paul (Kathy) Carraher of Zimmerman, MN; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Travis in 1987; sister-in-law Patricia Bahe, brother-in-law, Tom Hoffman, and niece, Roseanne Farrell. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Onalaska Church of Christ, 1415 Well Street in Onalaska. Pastor Gordon Clary will officiate with burial in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Onalaska Church of Christ and again on Monday after 10:00 a.m. Memorials are preferred to Onalaska Church of Christ, Gospel Broadcast Mission, or Franciscan-Skemp Hospice. The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are serving the family.