George Ubbink ‘Jerry’ Gilson

George Ubbink “Jerry” Gilson, age 87, of Grafton, Wis., died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, while under care in Cedarburg, Wis.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on Jan. 24, 1932, the son of George Ingersoll Gilson and Alice Ubbink Gilson.

George’s family operated the JE Gilson Foundry in Port Washington for many years.  

 He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.  George graduated from the University of Wisconsin and did accounting for the foundry until fire consumed the property.

On June 26, 1965, George would marry Mary Stuart of South Milwaukee. They would reside in Port Washington, later moving to Grafton in the late 1970’s. They raised two sons, John and Steven.

Over the years, George would work as a securities analyst and advisor with numerous companies in the area.

 George enjoyed a broad range of activities and hobbies during his life. He could be found boating off of Door County, downhill skiing or enjoying an auto race, amongst other things. He loved many types of music and the stereo equipment that played it.  From classical piano such as Beethoven to jazz and Willie Nelson, he loved it all.  

 He remained mentally active later in life, keeping up with the financial news, crossword puzzles and Sudoku.  

He was a member of the Port Washington Historical Society and proud of his Gilson roots. Saturdays he could be found cheering on his Wisconsin Badgers.  

The Gilsons enjoyed attending Milwaukee Symphony concerts for many years.

He is survived by his wife Mary Stuart Gilson; his sons John Gilson of Grafton and Steven Gilson of Brown Deer; grandchildren Sofia and Oliver; his sister Susan (Charles) Peterson of Ephraim; brother-in-law Douglas (Ruth) Stuart of Cambridge, Vt.; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sally Gilson and brother John Gilson.

Family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials to the charity of one’s choice appreciated.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.

Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.