Gerald Paul "Gerry" Moosbrugger, 59, longtime resident of Columbia, passed from this life on Sunday, January 14, 2018. He was born on August 28, 1958 in Milwaukee, WI, a son of Dora Mae Woerner Moosbrugger and the late Charles Moosbrugger, Jr.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Gerry loved the outdoors and the natural world. He loved climbing trees, swimming, boating, and ice fishing in the lakes and rivers near his home. Gerry possessed an amazing knowledge of animals, fish, birds, and plants of all kinds. He worked with the DNR in WI for a time. Gerry was an accomplished cook and worked as a sous chef in the kitchen at The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, FL. He then managed a bottled water company in Mineral Wells, TX and later worked with Continuum of Care for Emotionally Disturbed Children in Orangeburg and Bamberg counties before moving to Columbia. Gerry loved working with his hands. He had a vast knowledge of minerals and gem stones and enjoyed making jewelry for friends and family. He was a free spirit with a kind heart ever eager to help a friend or stranger in need. While illness later in his life kept him homebound, and prevented him from speaking and doing many of the things he loved, Gerry put on a brave face and held on bolstered by those who loved him. Gerry's spirit is now free from the body that caused him so much pain and has flown away home.

In addition to his mother of Wautoma, WI, Gerry is survived by his partner of 30 years, William M. "Bill" Mays; sisters, Deborah Mae Moosbrugger of Wautoma, WI, Kris M. Hutchins (Eric) of Eleva, WI; brother, Ben J. Moosbrugger (Donna) of Waterford, WI; nephew, Brandon Bradley (Dana) of Thorp, WI; and niece, Hanna B. Anderson of Chippewa Falls, WI. Gerry is also survived by seven great nieces and nephews.

The service for Gerry will be held 1:30 o'clock, Friday, January 19th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia with the Rev. Timothy Bupp officiating. To honor Gerry's request his ashes will be scattered beneath the weeping willow trees at Wind Lake, WI.