Gerald Carl Christofferson, also known as "Kris" or "Jerry" of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, age 91, passed away on September 13, 2025, after being hospitalized for a brief illness. He was born on July 30, 1934 in Madison, WI. His parents, Herman and Ruth (Young) Christofferson raised Gerald and his two brothers Richard and Wayne on Welch Avenue on the shores of Lake Monona. It was in a boat on that lake and under the bridge at Starkweather Creek that Gerald caught many a bluegill and walleye and a love of the sport that would last a lifetime.

When Gerald attended Madison East High School his art teachers noticed that he had real talent. He took art classes in painting, drawing and sculpting and discovered a second passion that would bring him joy and sustenance throughout his life. His favorite things to paint were fish and wildlife of all kinds.

Gerald served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea from 1953-1955. On leave he married his sweetheart Beverly Ann Kearney on April 20, 1954. Together they would raise 3 children, Jessica, Eric and Jennifer. After the service Gerald worked for the State of Wisconsin Highway Department for 17 years before starting a sign painting business. He could pursue his artistic passion while making an income. He was very successful, designing and painting thousands of business signs, vehicles, portraits, and home decor items over the years. In 1978 he and Beverly moved to the southwest where he spent a number of years living and working in New Mexico and then Arizona. In 2000 he moved back to northern Wisconsin and settled in Mikana and then Rice Lake. As a young man he had fished nearby Red Cedar Lake many times. Being in his home state rekindled his passion for painting wildlife and fish. When he wasn't doing artwork, you could find Gerald fishing or visiting with his friends at the local watering hole. Over the last few years he was prolific and produced many more paintings that are cherished by family, friend and north woods art lovers.

Gerald still painted up until just a few months ago. In his last year he was cared for by his youngest daughter Jennifer who came to live with him in Rice Lake. The family is eternally grateful for her help. Gerald will be so missed; not just for his artistic talent, but for his quick wit and famously ornery charm. He loved to tell stories and he had a lot of them – too many to list here.

Gerald is survived by his children: Jessica Christofferson (Craig Mueller) of Bradenton, FL; Eric Christofferson (Mary) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and Jennifer Acosta of Rice Lake, WI; his grandchildren: Shannon Nelson, Duncan Stelzer, Marianna Christofferson, Ryan Acosta, Brandon Acosta, and Hunter Johnstone; his great grandchildren Marshall Nelson, Kayden Acosta, Addilyn Acosta, and Everleigh Acosta. He is also survived by his older brother Richard Christofferson of Stoughton, WI.

Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife ex-wife, Beverly Christofferson (died in 2014), his wife, Mary Brock Christofferson (died in 2018), his parents (Herman and Ruth Christofferson), his brother, Wayne Christofferson and his grandson, Maris Christofferson. A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held in the near future, to be announced.

Last Update: Sep 23, 2025 8:18 am CDT