Gerald J. Bell (Jerry), passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 80, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born on October 14, 1943, in Marshfield, WI to Herbert and Dorthy Bell. He was the middle child in a family of 7 children. Jerry attended Our Lady of Peace Catholic School and graduated from Columbus High School in Marshfield. As a young man he developed his life-long love of the outdoors, spending much of his free time hunting, fishing, trapping, and camping.

In 1963, Jerry enlisted in the Marine Corps, attending Basic Training in San Diego, CA. He completed one deployment to Okinawa, Japan, and finished his service in Quantico, VA, where he was honorably discharged in 1966. After the service, he returned to central Wisconsin and in 1968, Jerry married Betty Rychnovsky.

Jerry earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. After obtaining his certification as a Public Account and briefly working in the private sector, Jerry spent almost 40 years working for the Internal Revenue Service. He retired from government service in 2010 and continued his early career of hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed perusing garage sales and gun shows for treasures that he could later resell in his small business on eBay.

Jerry was a man of many hobbies, who could do almost anything with his hands. He was a talented maker of gunstocks, a boat-builder, a carpenter, an amateur mechanic, and a lifelong-tinkerer. Jerry was a warm and caring man who always put others first, and who loved to chat with anyone that came across his path. He could find interest in almost any person or any subject, but his favorite pastime was spending time at the family cabin with his children and grandchildren. He had a zest for life, a ferocious will to live, and will be greatly missed by many.

Gerald is preceded in death by his son Brent Bell, his mother and father, his brothers Charles and Robert Bell, and sister Maryann Studstill. He is survived by his life-long partner and wife of 56 years, Betty, his son Aaron and daughter-in-law Jess Bell, his four grandchildren, Logan, Jordann, Mia, and Olive Bell, his sister Bonnie (Ron) Mancl, brother James (Sandy) Bell, and brother Michael (Candy) Bell.

We are comforted knowing Jerry is in God's arms with his beloved family members and friends.  At his request, Jerry will be laid to rest with a Celebration of Life and a private family service at a later date.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS