Post Messenger Recorder -

Dr. Gerald "Doc" Lester Dorst was born on a farm in Chili, WI, to Lester Marinus Dorst and Beatrice Leona Pepper on February 17, 1925. Jerry departed this world on angel's wings to join up with his beloved Gloria on June 6, 2018.

Jerry graduated from high school in Marshfield, WI, in 1942. After graduation he worked with his mother in a restaurant for a year. In March 1943, he joined the United States Army Air Corps, completing basic training at Camp Stewart, GA. His first duty station landed him in London then one month later he landed on Omaha Beach. He served in France and Belgium till his return to the U.S. in 1945.

On July 13, 1943, Jerry married the love of his life, Gloria Van Atta Whittingham. They were happily married for 64 years and had three sons, Dennis, Gary and Paul.

After his discharge from the service Jerry and his brother, Larry, ran a restaurant until 1951. In 1951, Jerry enrolled at the Palmer College of Chiropractic and graduated in 1953 with his Doctorate degree. After graduation Jerry practiced Chiropractic for four years in Marshfield, WI. In 1958, he moved his practice to New Glarus, WI, where he practiced till his retirement in October of 2008.

Jerry was an avid member of Ducks Unlimited, Lions Club, and the American Legion. He was a proud veteran and served as part of the color guard for area military funerals.

He sang for 50 years in the choir at UCC church, his wife Gloria was the choir director. Later he joined Grace Church in New Glarus where he was an Elder in the church. Jerry enjoyed teaching the Bible to high school students at the church. He also taught Bible classes to adults. Jerry was an avid bow hunter and loved fishing with his pals. Jerry enjoyed catching and cleaning the fish, but not eating them. Jerry's greatest passion for 70 years was his gardening whether it was flowers or vegetables.

Jerry is survived by his son, Dennis (Sharron) Dorst, son, Paul Dorst; daughter-in-law, Joyce Dorst; grandchildren, April (John) Jardine, Dawn Nickel, Scott Dorst, David (Kim) Dorst and Julie Woodcock; 10 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters, Edith Zepplin and Shelby (Bob) Guerin; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Beatrice; wife, Gloria; son, Gary; brother-in-law, Jim Zepplin; a sister; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Grace Church, 416 Second Street, New Glarus, WI, with Pastor Roger Olsen officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Swiss Church Cemetery in New Glarus. Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday, June 15, 2018, at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Avenue, New Glarus, WI.

Memorials are suggested to the New Glarus Fire Department, New Glarus Library Fund, or Grace Church.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.