Gerald "Jerry" R. Blackburn

The lilies of the field, and the birds of the air lost a dear friend. Gerald R. “Jerry” Blackburn, 100, died Saturday, January 1, 2022, having had a life well and humbly lived. A lifelong resident of Fond du Lac Wisconsin, he was a man who loved nature and shared this love with his family and friends. He could quote Aldo Leopold, reminding you of his affection for nature; for a piece of marsh. A gardener, bird watcher, rock collector, hickory nut gatherer, Jerry always observed the simplicity and beauty of nature. (Did you know September is the best month to admire cloud formations?) He always chose the back country roads where he could travel at his leisure, and reminisce about earlier days and memories of new friends he made along the way; the favorite times spent hunting and fishing with his four brothers. He enjoyed music. He would often print song lyrics and share them with others. He could sing a song and happily attach it to most situations in life. He was also artistic and was known for his cleverly drawn birthday cards that are now "collectors' items". Everyone knew he was the biggest Charlie Brown fan! Happiness was Jerry in the way he shared his Charlie Brown books for "laughter therapy" whenever a friend was sick, in the hospital, or just needed cheering up. He spent his life with a genuine interest in other peoples' lives; making new friends just about anywhere he went and gifting them one of his special mini boxes made with love and filled with candy. Jerry was married for 42 years to Virginia Mehn Blackburn. He was "good old Dad" (G.O.D.) to their four children: Robert, Susan, Deborah, and James. After Virginia's death in 1990, Jerry and family friend Florence Laird Lohmann enjoyed 'the golden years' together until her death in 2013. Jerry is survived by his children: Robert and wife Kay, Susan and husband Randy, Deborah, James and wife Kathy; by grandchildren Mark Blackburn and wife Kelly, Rachel Blackburn-Knox and husband Adam, and 5 great grandchildren; by Florence's daughters Maureen Laird, and Becky Laird; by Becky's sons Zack and Alex Laird Metalsky; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and devoted friends. He is predeceased by his wife Virginia Mehn Blackburn; his parents Oscar and Frances Blackburn; his brothers Ronald, Ray, Jim, Lynn and sister Marian Schneider. At.100 Jerry was grateful for his extremely good life. One of his famous quotes was: "Whenever I cash in my "chips", I come out ahead". A private family burial has been planned, as per Jerry's wishes. Memorials may be made to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge/Visitor Center W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050 or to a charity of your choice.

Gerald "Jerry" R. Blackburn

December 10, 1921 - January 1, 2022