EAU CLAIRE/COLUMBUS--Jerome E. "Jerry" Bishop age 79, died on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Faith Living Center, Sun Prairie. He was born on August 14, 1935 in Pierce County to Arthur and Clara (McGinley) Bishop. Jerry served in the U. S. Air Force from 1952 until 1956 and was honorably discharged achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He spent a year in the arctic as a crew chief with the Strategic Air Command. He farmed in the Ellsworth area where, over time, he raised dairy and beef cattle as well as pigs. After selling his farm, he worked as an electrical technician for Mallum Electric Motor Service in Chippewa Falls and later for Electric Motor Service in Madison until he retired. After retiring, he and Judy moved to Columbus and started gardening on a massive scale. He didn't understand that a few tomato and pepper plant did not mean 600 plants. Most of the produce was given to friends or donated to charities. He was very mechanically inclined and a favorite phrase was, "If I can't fix it, it ain't broke." Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing and watching the wildlife by the house. He also loved his dogs, Big Dave and Daisie Mae, the last in a long line of very beloved pets. Jerry was married to Judith Froehlich (nee Dachenbach), his long-time companion of 35 years, on June 27, 2008 in Juneau. Jerry was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW in Eau Claire. Survivors include his wife, Judy of Columbus; one daughter, Roxanne Bishop of Bloomington MN; three sons, David of Minneapolis MN, Patrick of Clearbrook MN, and Paul (Hsiaopei) of Bismarck ND; two step daughters, Kimara Froehlich of Madison and Tara Gibbons (Scott Schuster) of Marshall; nine grandchildren; a step granddaughter; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Helen Lamson of Chanhassen MN; one brother, Leo (Shirley) Bishop of Prescott; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel; nine sisters and five brothers. A memorial service was held at 4:00 P.M., with visitation beginning at 3:00 P.M., on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the Jensen funeral home, Columbus. Sandra Schieble officiated. Military honors followed. Memorials may be directed to Smile Train, Inc or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.