Gerald E. "Jerry" Alft

Gerald (Jerry) E. Alft age 66, hung up his backpack and took his final journey on January 28, 2019. He was born on June 4, 1952 to Harold and Dorothy Alft of Wisconsin Rapids. He graduated from Alexander High School in Nekoosa in 1970. He married Mesonika Piecuch in Concord NH in 1973. The marriage ended in divorce. He was employed at the New Hampshire State Psychiatric Hospital in Concord during his many years in New Hampshire. During this time he was also co-owner of a record shop, Abba to Zappa in downtown Concord. Jerry lived and traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe. He spent 4 years in the Netherlands where he was employed at the Flying Pig Youth Hostel in Amsterdam. During this time, he took many side trips that included Egypt and Morocco. On a subsequent trek he shipped his vehicle overseas and traveled through Europe and the Eastern Bloc nations. In the past 10 years he resided in the Madison Area and was employed at Tellurian, Inc., a drug and alcohol treatment center in Monona. He continued his travel breaks during this time to Spain and Portugal. Jerry was an accomplished musician having studied guitar at the Music Emporium in Cambridge MA under Russ Barenberg. He was involved in the Wisconsin Bluegrass Assoc. and played in bands in Madison and in Concord. He loved a competitive game of chess, was an avid reader and movie buff. On his visits home he enjoyed family get togethers and discussing politics. Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Christine Zimmerman of Stoughton. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Patrick) Kosharek of Wisconsin Rapids, two nieces, Jessamyn Cunningham, Mt. Horeb, and Gillian Kosharek, Burlingame CA. Additionally, he is survived by his many friends and colleagues from around the globe, many of whom were of great support in his final days. The family wishes to thank Christine for her unwavering support and care during his illness. During his last few months he found solace in his involvement with Gilda’s Club and Hospice, Inc. Jerry was preceded in death by both parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents. Per Jerry’s request there will be no service. The Cremation Society of Madison