Gerald went to be with Jesus on May 21, 2023, at the age of 84 years old after a prolonged illness. His loving wife of 57 years, Joan, had preceded him in death in July of 2022. Gerald will be missed by his brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" (Virginia) Slattery. He was a loving uncle to his niece, Jill (Mark) McGovern, and nephews, Jeremiah and Jacob (Jenny) Slattery, grandniece and nephews, Jack, Callie, Owen, Emmitt, and Alex Slattery.

Gerald was a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN and earned a Master's Degree in Education at Michigan State University. He taught in Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Schools and at Wisconsin Lutheran College for over 40 years.

A private service will be held for family and close friends at Salem Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Memorials can be made to Salem's Organ Fund. Plans are pending at this time.