Gerald A Yerxa

Gerald “Jerry” Alton Whited Yerxa, beloved husband of Helen Springer Yerxa, died peacefully at his home in Madison on April 17, 2013. He was born in Bridgewater, Maine on November 10, 1927, the son of Douglas Ray Yerxa and Margaret Tompkins (Whited) Yerxa.

He graduated from Bridgewater Classical Academy (BCA) and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945. Following his honorable discharge in 1947, Gerald attended the University of Maine at Orono, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. While at the University, he was a member of Phi Eta Kappa fraternity.

He married Helen in Bangor on September 10, 1950. He accepted a teaching position in the fall of 1953 in Blaine, Maine. One year later, in the fall of 1954, he began his 33 year teaching career at Madison Memorial High School. Gerald taught agriculture, biology and earth science to Madison high school students over his three decades of teaching. Under Alexander Richard, he also served as Assistant Principal. “Mr. Yerxa” was highly respected and loved by many of his colleagues, staff and students. During his recent illness, many of his former students reached out to him to share fond memories and express their appreciation of his positive influence.

In addition to his teaching career, Gerald was a businessman and entrepreneur. Gerald and Helen moved their growing family to Thurston Hill when they purchased Ray’s Dairy in 1958. He owned and operated the milk processing plant for ten years. Before selling the dairy, he began his home building business, Yerxa Ridge Homes. For a decade, Gerald built homes for families throughout central Maine. Following his teaching retirement, Gerald operated his business of managing and harvesting his wood lots.

Gerald served on the Board of Selectman as well as the Planning Board for the town of Madison. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Lakewood Golf Club. He played golf around the state as a member of the Central Maine Seniors.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Roy Allison Clark Yerxa and William Ellery Yerxa.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen; four children, Dawn Krasnavage and her husband John of Madison, Peter Yerxa and his wife Carol of Scarborough, Linda Scott and her husband Ron of New Gloucester, and Laurie Doherty and her husband Patrick of Manchester, N.H. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, John G. Krasnavage, Eliza and AJ Scott, Kyle and Kailee Doherty, and Hannah and Colby Yerxa.

At Gerald’s request, there will be no funeral service or visiting hours. The Yerxa family welcomes guests for a remembrance reception on Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 1 to 3 pm at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, 653 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, Maine.

Arrangements are under the care and directions of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gerald Yerxa Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checks payable to MSAD#59 may be sent to Madison Junior High School, 205 Main Street, Madison, Maine 04950, Attention: Holly Eggleston.