Obituary
Gerald Walter Lourigan, a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 89, in Fort Myers, Florida. Born on April 8, 1936, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Gerald was a man of principle who valued order, responsibility, and doing the right thing. Though often serious and deliberate, his steady presence and deep commitment to those he loved left a lasting impact on his family and friends.
Gerald was the youngest child of Joseph and Margaret (Langer) Lourigan. He graduated from high school in Kenosha in 1954, and went on to serve in the Army National Reserves. He received an associate degree in electrical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering Taking pride in doing his job diligently and thoroughly, he was well respected among his colleagues in the field. Work took him and his family to Appleton, Wisconsin, Star Lake, New York and ultimately, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin which became home for 49 years. On June 6, 1964, Gerald married the love of his life, Mary K. Hansen, in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting connection – a legacy that lives on in their children, who remain closely bonded and supportive of one another.
Gerald is survived by his children, Gerald R. Lourigan, Margaret M. Lourigan, Joseph J. Lourigan (Tanya), Colleen M. Lourigan (Jon), Kathryn M. Dutton (John), and his grandchildren Celeste (Jake), Alison, Cadie, Eileen, John, Theodore, and Mary. He is also survived by his brother, George Lourigan.
In retirement, Gerald embraced a slower pace of life, spending many winters in Fort Myers, Florida, and summers poolside in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He found joy in the simple pleasures – soaking up the sun, listening to the radio, spending time outdoors, and tinkering around the house. Family holidays were a highlight, often marked by grilling out, sharing meals, and relaxing together in the sunshine. These gatherings brought him genuine contentment and reflected what he valued most: time with family and the comforts of home.
The family will honor Gerald’s memory with a private service. In lieu of flowers, they kindly ask that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the University of Wisconsin–Madison Carbone Cancer Center, in memory of his beloved wife, Mary, who preceded him in death in 2024.
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