DEFOREST/MERRIMAC/MADISON—Jerry E. Schave age 81, moved forward from all his earthly demands, peacefully choosing the high road on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, while being held in the embrace of Jeff, Lori, Cyndie and angel Jonathon. Throughout his recent period of hospice care while remaining in the home of his daughter. Where an ongoing family vigil was held where Jerry was supported by love, physical touch and spiritual encouragement. He was born on February 18, 1932 on the Hill family farm in the town of Marcellon, Columbia Co. to George and Maysel (Hill) Schave. As a youngster growing up during the great depression, Jerry spent a lot of time with Grandma Hill and all his cousins who visited. All enjoyed the freedom of swimming, fishing and sharing the best of times. His family lived in Beaver Dam, where Jerry was a 1951 graduate of the Beaver Dam High School. To make a little spending money, Jerry shoveled, ushered at the theatre, worked for a butcher and was a soda jerk. All contributing to his lovable personality, zest for life and uncanny sense of humor. Through a friend of a friend, Jerry met Mary Durow from Astico. A friendship blossomed into a 50-year marriage on December 27, 1952 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in rural Columbus. Jerry served in the U S Army from 1953 to 1955. Then, their life together included numerous adventures raising a family building a bed & breakfast business, traveling the U. S. and abroad. One of Jerry's finest virtues was his compassion and care giving. In the last 10 years Jerry felt very lucky to have met a special lady, Ann Broehm. Together they shared a special and close friendship. Just ask the grandchildren (aka Magnificent Seven) of their childhood memories of Grandpa's Gate. Survivors include a son, Jeff (Cindy) of Platteville; two daughters, Lori Vissers of Madison and Cyndie (Dave) Rindfliesch of Portage; seven grandchildren, John-Paul (Sarah), Michael (Hillary), Kerry (Marshal), Thomas (Rebecca), Casey, Kyle (Stefanie), Steven; three great grandchildren, Morgan, Wesley, Knole; one brother, Daryl (Roberta) Schave of Beaver Dam; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan George in 1963; parents; beloved wife, Mary in 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 18, 2013 at ST COLUMBKILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, W10802 County Rd TT, Columbus, concelebrated by Rev. Rick Wendell and Monsignor Charles Schluter. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 8090. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with a rosary service at 7:45 P.M., on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the funeral home, and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church on Monday.