Jerome "Jerry" Monson

Jerry was born September 5, 1946, He went to be with his Lord March 1, 2022

He is survived by his daughter Kelly of Appleton, a brother Don and his girlfriend Mona Radtke of Waupaca, a sister, Dawn Anderson married to Bob Anderson of Weyauwega, and a former wife, Sue Monson.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Pam Monson of Green Bay, and a brother Ron Monson of Willard Ohio.   

Founding Rawhide                                                                                 At age 13 Jerry was invited by John and Jan Gillespie to spend the day at their small farmhouse in rural Appleton. Because of some challenges in his home, he stayed two years with the Gillespies. They were expecting their second son and needed a larger home to include Jerry. They found a larger home for sure. Located along the Wolf River near New London, it had 27 rooms, 11 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. More than big enough for Jerry, John and Jan plus their two sons. And it was ideal for their dream to someday have a home for dozens of youths facing challenges in life. They named it Rawhide Boys Ranch and were joined soon in its support by Bart and Cherry Starr.

So, Jerry is directly responsible for the founding of Rawhide and enjoyed being part of the early events, plus having a house full of 10 brothers. In later years he went with John to promotional activities that usually included the Starrs, plus book signing events. He loved showing guests his story in chapter one titled JERRY, and signing his name.

Viet Nam Combat Veteran                                                       

Jerry enlisted in the U. S. Army on May 12^th, 1966. He served in Viet Nam as a helicopter mechanic and as a crew chief went on well over 50 combat missions. After his last day in combat after serving 11 months and 20 days he was overheard saying to his Sargeant, “After 11 months of Hell, I made it.”

Jerry received the National Defense Service Metal, the Viet Nam Campaign Metal, and the Viet Nam Service Metal. He qualified as a “Sharpshooter” with the M-14 rifle.

But his constant exposure on combat missions into forested areas sprayed with Agent Orange had a lifetime effect on Jerry. Ongoing heart problems and COPD resulted in ongoing doctor and hospital visits. On Monday, March 1^st  this year was his last hospital visit resulted in passing away from a heart attack. His family was by his side.

Auto Shop                                                                               

Jerry was an excellent auto mechanic even before his military training working for area dealerships. Soon after getting out of the service, he opened his own auto engine business specializing in Honda vehicles. Customers raved about his mechanical talents. He also loved racing events and race cars. He loved traveling to Elkhart Lake Speedway and other tracks to assist as a mechanic working on Rollie Stevenson and John Bergstrom race cars.

Jerry’s Memorial Service and Honors                                      

Jerry’s memorial service will be held on Friday March 25^th, at Wichmann Funeral Home, located at, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911. Visitation is at 2 pm, followed by the Memorial service at 3 pm. Full military honors will follow the memorial.

In lieu of flowers friends of Jerry are requested to make a donation to Rawhide Youth Services Memorials to honor Jerry. Rawhide held a special place in his heart from 1965 when he helped found the Ranch. Send donations to Rawhide Youth Services, E7475 Rawhide Road, New London, WI 54961.