Jerome "Jerry" L. Stotsky
September 26, 1918 - February 8, 2018

Madison - Jerome "Jerry" L. Stotsky, age 99, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on September 26, 1918, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Hyman Stotsky and Regina (Stotsky) Perlman.

Jerry often said he was a lucky man. When a lovely 15-year-old girl, Elinor Elperin, accepted a date to go ice skating, he never imagined she would stay by his side for the next 80 years. Jerry was an Army supply officer in Luzon, Philippines for most of WWII, arriving there just before the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in military history. Yet, he always said the war was a small part of his wonderful long life. As with many returning vets, Jerry's VA benefits allowed him a college education at Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It was there he worked many years in administrative banking, and where he and Elinor raised their three children.

Jerry said his greatest joys came from his family and life-long friendships. He loved reading history and mystery books, playing baseball and bowling, contributing his time to B'nai B'rith, and taking pleasure in traveling the open road while on vacations. Jerry loved maps and seemed to get equal enjoyment talking about the roads and highways he drove, as he got from arriving at destinations. Jerry and Elinor moved to Madison, WI, in retirement to be near their children and grandchildren. Jerry loved his life, appreciating all the good that came his way and exemplifying integrity, positivity and goodness. He was a true mensch!

Jerry is survived by his children, David Stotsky, Susan (Maurice) Thaler, and Eileen (Steven) Berkley; his grandchildren, Sean Stotsky, Tanya Bullwinkle, Leah Uhlenhake, and Kelsey Uhlenhake; his step grandchildren, Kiera Durgan, Brion Berkley, and Sarah Sheehan; his great-grandchildren, Jerome Stotsky and Oliver Bullwinkle; several step-great-grandchildren; and also his nieces and nephews, Bruce, Doug, Howard, Elise, Phyllis and Nancy. He was preceded in death by Elinor, his wife of 73 years, his siblings, Norman and Harriet, and his best friend and brother-in-law, Bill.

The family extends its deep appreciation for the service provided by his caregiver, Denise Burkhardt, and for the caring and professional staff of Agrace Hospice, both in his home and at its facility.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434

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