Jerome M. Mathson
Jerome “Jerry” M. Mathson, 85, of Verona, passed away at his home, July 15, 2026.
Jerry was born December 19, 1940, in Blair, to Lee and Alma (Otterson) Mathson. He was the youngest of five children and grew up playing nearly every sport, developing a lifelong love of animals and getting into his share of trouble with his brother, Lee. He loved telling stories about growing up in Blair and could talk for hours about his high school and college days, his friends, and the many details he remembered about their lives and families. He was also proud of his Norwegian heritage and spent many years researching his family’s genealogy.
Jerry graduated from Blair High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from UW – Madison. His family remembers stories of him studying on bus rides home to Blair and through cold Wisconsin winters while working toward his degree.
Jerry spent more than 40 years as a pharmacist, most notably at Rennebohm Drug Stores and Hometown Pharmacy in Belleville. He was known for recognizing customers before they reached the counter and for the relationships he built with the people he served. He enjoyed talking with customers about their lives and took pride in making sure they understood how to take their medications safely. He remembered names, stories, and details about people’s lives long after they had left the pharmacy.
Jerry spent most of his adult life in Verona, where he raised his family. He believed in working hard, getting a good education, and keeping your word. He enjoyed gardening, raising chickens and pigeons, and following local high school sports. His children remember riding along with him on the lawn mower, helping in the garden and caring for the animals in the backyard. He wasn’t always one to say much about his feelings, but he was a steady presence, and his family knew they could always count on him.
A proud Badger for life, Jerry was almost always wearing Wisconsin red. He held football and basketball season tickets for many years and loved attending games at Camp Randall and the Kohl Center. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Badgers, whether he was at a game or watching from home. He was also proud to watch his children compete in swimming and enjoyed supporting Verona athletics and attending local games.
Animals were a constant throughout Jerry’s life, beginning with the many dogs and other animals he loved throughout his childhood. In retirement, his greatest companion was his dog, Ruby. Their daily trips to the Prairie Moraine Dog Park became part of Jerry’s routine, and all of the regulars knew Jerry and Ruby. Ruby enjoyed homemade meals, endless attention and a place at the center of Jerry’s world. Losing Ruby in November 2025 was a devastating loss for Jerry.
Jerry especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was proud of his family. In recent years, some of his happiest moments were spent watching his grandchildren grow. He loved hearing about what everyone was doing and often talked about moving to be closer to them.
Jerry is survived by his children: Dawn (Jeff) Kundert, Craig (Nicole) Mathson, Kristin Mathson (Scott Dixon), Jenny Mathson (Justin Alt), and Alex Mathson (Ariele Goode); his grandchildren: Kimber, Josh, Robert, William, George, and Harriet; his great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law: Barb Mathson and Alyce May Mathson; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Alma Mathson; and his siblings: Art, Victoria, Ruth and Lee.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton. Visitation was held for one hour prior to the service. Burial followed at Trempealeau Valley Cemetery in Springfield Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Jerry’s memory to show a little extra kindness to an animal.
Jerry will be remembered for his quiet sense of humor, his incredible memory for names and stories, his love of sports, animals, family, and the Badgers, and the steady, dependable way he cared for the people and animals who mattered most to him.
