Geraldine Swenson Wanek


Geraldine “Jerry” Wanek, age 89 died November 8 at her home on Fair Oaks Farm in Blue River.  Jerry was born on December 1, 1925 in Homer near Boscobel, Wi. and was the youngest child of parents Albert and Anna Swenson.  


Her family moved to Boscobel when Jerry was young to make their home on Brindley Street.  Living next to the Boscobel pool, Jerry became an avid swimmer, a talent she enjoyed throughout her life.


Jerry often joined her sisters at area barn dances.  It was at of those dances that she met Bill Wanek.  They were married on December 31, l943 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boscobel where Jerry was baptized and confirmed.   They enjoyed being on the dance floor for the rest of their lives together.  Jerry especially enjoyed polka music because it was always happy music to her.  She was an excellent cook who saw food as a way to sustain and nurture her family.  Jerry was a member of Blue River United Methodist Church.


Being creative and resourceful was a gift Jerry had and encouraged in her family to develop those skills as well. She had a quiet strength, often sharing her strong values with her children.  


She is preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” on December 20, l995.

By her sisters

Gladys Nelson

Alice Kalish

Hilda Clark

Inez Johnston

Lenice Gullick


By her brothers

Harvey Swenson

Clarence “Pat” Swenson


Surviving are her children:

Jean (Jon Claude) Bartlett of Blue River

John Wanek (Missy) of Wauzeka

Frank (Kathy) Wanek of Blue River

Jessica (Brian) Jacobson of Beaver Dam

Andrew Wanek of Madison


9 Grandchildren

13 Great Grandchildren


A Memorial Service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, November 14 at Blue River United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11 AM before the service.  You are invited to lunch at the Blue River Community Building.  Burial will be in the Coumbe Cemetery at a later date.


The family asked that instead of flowers memorials be given to Blue River United Methodist Church or the Blue River Rescue Squad.