Gerald C. Tollard's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) C. Tollard died peacefully at the age of 69 on December 25, 2020, of complications attributed to Agent Orange's exposure.
Gerald was the eldest son of Chester and Marie (Brunn) Tollard, born July 30, 1951, in Oshkosh, WI. Gerald enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He was a Communications Specialist in Vietnam. After returning home, he worked for Morgan Doors, Universal Foundries, and Armstrong Blum of Oshkosh. He married Lisa Rivard on April 29, 1991 in Oshkosh.
Gerald was proud of the time he spent in the service. Even though he had been affected by Agent Orange, Jerry often said if he had to do it all over, he would still enlist and go. Jerry cherished time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors with hunting, fishing, long drives through Sandhill State Wildlife Area in Babcock WI, and watching his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Gerald also treasured his Old Glory Flight to Washington DC with his cousin Don Wyman.
Gerald is survived by his wife Lisa; Children Chloe and Reed: Two brothers Larry (Lori) of Marathon and Ben of Berlin. Four sisters Patricia Anderson and Angela (Keith), Burgett of Oshkosh, Jennifer Anderson of Appleton, and Sharon (Daniel) Valdez of Black Wolf. In-laws Gerald (Mary) Rivard of Bourbonnais, IL. One sister-in-law Linda Rivard of Donovan, Il. One maternal Aunt Bernice Bodde of Kansas. Four paternal Aunts; Mary Ellen Tollard, Mary Tollard, Darlene Curtis, and Kathy (Tim) Sebora of Oshkosh, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents Chester and Marie Tollard, his buddy and great-nephew Lucas Valdez, along with many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.
The family is forever grateful to Gerald's sister Jennifer Anderson for the brave and selfless gift of her kidney donation and the doctors and medical staff of the University of Wisconsin Madison Medical Center Transplant Unit, The VA Hospital and Medical Centers in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Appleton, And Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. A special thanks to his home Nurse Antenette Woods and our VA Home Tele nurse Kathy Kaltenbach.
Gerald often expressed his gratitude for his sister's kidney donation, which gave him eight years to be with family and friends. He repeatedly stated that he wanted to donate his transplanted kidney to someone in need when he passes. The Tollard families are staunch supporters and advocates for kidney and organ donation. So much so that we have become donors. In the end Jerry was a perfect candidate for eye donation. The whites of his eyes will aid in many different medical procedures. He will live on with his organ donation and through the love that his family and friends had for him.
Services: Visitation and Funeral will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Military Honors will be presented in Memorial Plaza, located at the Military Veterans Museum and Education Center in Oshkosh, and a Celebration of Life. Notices on exact dates will be sent out.
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