Gerald Gene Cork, age 79, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Gerald, the son of Donald and Clemmie (Calvert) Cork, was born on April 5, 1936, in Platteville, Wisconsin.

Gerald and his wife, Brenda (Burridge), recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. They were married on June 27, 1959, at St. Michaels of Tokyngton Parish, Middlesex, England. After completing 13 years of service in the United States Air Force, Gerald and Brenda moved to Belleville, Wisconsin. Gerald worked at Gisholt Machine Company until it closed and then at The Bruce Company. In 1983, Gerald and Brenda opened The Corkboard, an antique and coin business in New Glarus. After many years with The Corkboard, Gerald and Brenda closed the business in 2001. They moved to Blanchardville, Wisconsin.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Brenda; his three children, Debbie (Scott) Allen, Vicki (Phillip) Collas, and Allen (Amy) Cork; and eight grandchildren, Brenna MacDonald, Zachary Allen, Jennifer Allen, Luke Collas, Noah Cork, Nicholas Cork, Trey Cork and Eve Cork. Gerald is further survived by his sister, Eva Nell (Donald) Arneson of Barneveld; and his sister-in-law, Betty Goke of Belleville. Further survivors include many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Clemmie Cork; brothers, Rodger Cork, Robert Cork, Charles Goke, Ronald Goke, Donald Cork Jr. and Arlyn Cork; sister, Lucille (Goke) McSherry; sisters-in-law, Esther Goke, Genevieve Cork, and June Burridge; brothers-in-law, Kenneth McSherry and Bill Burridge.

A celebration of Gerald's life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank all of Gerald's doctors and caregivers for their dedicated and caring service over the years.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family. Condolences can be sent online to Zentner-Beal Funeral Home at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com