Donald Jerome Tulgren

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Donald “Jerry” Tulgren on September 22, 2026, at the age of 91.

Jerry was born on November 18, 1934, in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, to parents Donald C. and Rosella (Lien) Tulgren. After living in Woodville, his family moved to Hudson, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Hudson High School and attended UW-River Falls before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served in the Army for two years and was a sergeant during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

He was united in marriage to Eleanor “Ellie” (Varnum) Tulgren on June 11, 1960. They were blessed with two children through adoption.

Jerry dedicated his professional career with 30 years to 3M as a Master Technician in the Mag/AV division. After retirement, Jerry and Ellie volunteered at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. on several bus tours.

He was devoted to giving back to his community, through the Hudson Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. He volunteered with the Hudson Boosters where he took pride in bringing Drum Corp performances for the 4th of July celebrations. He also sat on the board of directors for the Christian Community Homes.

Jerry had a love for hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He passed his passion for fishing down through his kids, grandkids and great-grandson. He also enjoyed watching football, especially the Badgers and Packers.

Jerry was a man of genuine warmth and integrity. His sense of humor and charm will forever be remembered by his family, friends, and those who cared for him.

He will remain in the hearts of his wife, Ellie of 66 years and his best friend until the end; his daughter, Mary “Tug” Tulgren; son, Robert (Heidi) Tulgren; three cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Cole) Harris; Hannah (McKinley) Tulgren, and Bobby (Amber) Tulgren; great-grandson, George Harris; and his sister, Susan (Bill) Bradley; all of whom will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald & Rosella Tulgren; siblings, Ferris (Katie), Jim (Sharon); and his great-granddaughter, Susan Harris.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street, Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will start at 12 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. The family invites you to stay for a meal following the service, where we can reflet on the infectious joy he brought to everyone’s lives, a testament to a truly remarkable man who lived life to the fullest.

In keeping with Jerry’s spirit of community and giving, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Hudson Boosters, United Methodist Church, or Christian Community Homes.

He will be laid to rest at Willow River Cemetery.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.