William Gerald “Jerry” Humphreys of Marshfield, WI and formerly from Hixton, WI, passed
away peacefully on December 9th surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born on December 21,1944 in Black River Falls to William and Marian (Beirne)
Humphreys. Jerry was raised in the village of Sechlerville, WI and attended the Hixton Schools,
graduating with the class of 1963 in Black River Falls.
Sechlerville always had a special place in Jerry’s heart. He described his childhood as idyllic,
often recalling his friends and the life they had there: The Turtle Pond, Smith’s Pond, etc. He
shared an exceptionally strong bond with his maternal grandfather, Henry “Hank” Beirne. He
was often heard quoting some of his grandpa’s favorite sayings.
After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, following in the footsteps of
his grandfather. He served from 1963-1967 with most of that time spent in Vietnam. He was a
distinguished, highly decorated and valiant soldier and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds
received during combat.
Following his discharge from the Marine Corp, Jerry worked a variety of careers, starting out as
a Wisconsin State Trooper and later as the Chief of Police in Belle Fourche, SD. He then entered
into the health care field and worked for a lab in Fort Meade, SD and then at the lab at
Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI. He finished his working career in the security department at
the Marshfield Clinic. He retired in October 2014.
In 1969, he married Christine Simonson. To this marriage 3 daughters were born: Kirsten,
Jennifer and Courtney. Jerry and Chris later divorced.
In 1997, he married Bonita “Bonnie” Ballenger at his mother’s home in Black River Falls. They
celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage in July 2022.
Jerry’s true loves revolved around his family. He was a master storyteller. His main character
being the throat-ripping bear or the TR bear as he became affectionately known.
He was so proud of his 3 daughters, as they grew into the successful, young women they are
today. His sons-in-law, Chris and David, also claimed a special place in his heart as they became
part of the family.
He loved his grandchildren dearly: William “Will” Halverson who is his namesake and Olivia
“Via” Halverson as she is called in the “sports-world”. He was so proud of the well-rounded
young adults they have become and their accomplishments, academically, athletically and
socially. Harlow, the newest and youngest member of the family, won his heart the first time he
saw her. His big regret is that he will not be able to watch her grow up. Alayna came into our
lives as Kirsten’s stepdaughter, but soon our special and oldest granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his daughters, Kirsten (Chris) Halverson, Jennifer
Humphreys and Courtney (David) Potter. His grandchildren, Alayna, William and Olivia
Halverson and Harlow Emma Potter. His brother, Mark (Kate) Skolos, and nieces, Lauren and
Annika. His brother, Paul Skolos, and his sister, Patti Shannon, and her children, Stefanie and
Tim and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlyle and Marian Skolos, brother, Mickey Humphreys,
nephew, Michael Shannon, grandparents, Henry and Ruth Beirne and his father, William
Humphreys.
There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, December 21 at the Jensen-Modjeski funeral
home in Hixton, WI. The service will begin at 11:00 am, led by Eldon Simonson and will be
followed by military rites. Family will receive visitors from 9:00 am until the time of service.
The family would like to invite all visitors/mourners to a luncheon which will be held at the
funeral home immediately after the service.
The Jensen- Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-963-2311.
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