Gerald R. Barrett, age 86, of the Town of Schley, Lincoln County, died Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Gerald was born August 2, 1925, in Beaver Dam, son of the late Wendell and Anne (Gehrt) Barrett. He married Leona Schnarsky on July 10, 1948, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville. She survives. Gerald served in the United States Army from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1947. During his service, he worked on the telephones in German hospitals. After his discharge, Gerald worked at AT&T for 43 years. Gerald and Leona had lived in Rhinelander from 1954 until 1985.
Gerald was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 58 years. He was a member of the Pioneers, a Lions volunteer in the Merrill area, a former president and member of the model airplane club, and he was on the St. Joe’s School Council in Rhinelander. Gerald was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed making maple syrup, cutting firewood, and picking wild rice along the Wisconsin River. His retirement hobby was raising beef and chickens. Gerald enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He played baseball for Butsy Mosser and ‘Mosser’s Tap’ from 1947 until 1950. He also bowled for many years. Gerald was a very good historian and story-teller. He went on many fishing trips to Canada with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling with Leona throughout the U.S., and visiting his children and grandchildren while they were camping.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Leona Barrett, of the Town of Schley; two daughters, Connie (Tom) Miazga, of Oconomowoc, and Geralyn Barrett, of Rhinelander; two sons, Gregory (Lisa) Barrett, of the Town of Schley, and Jeffrey (Chris) Barrett, of Ishpeming, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Jennifer, Bobbie, Shannon, and Ryan Barrett, and Rebecca, Theresa, and Grace Miazga; three step grandchildren, Timothy Schulz, Jessica (Michael) Stetler, and Renee Campbell; four great-grandchildren, Rose Barrett, Lola and Stanley Carlson, and Treyton Mose; three step great-grandchildren, Jasmine Lange, and Amara and Kerrigan Stetler; one brother, Robert (Jonquil) Barrett, of West Allis; and one niece, Brandi (Jack) Fitzgerald, of Alma, Arkansas. Gerald was preceded in death by one son, Ellery Barrett.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 23, 2012, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville. Father Ronald Serrao will preside. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Town of Schley, with military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Thursday at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com