Gerald F. Kidder

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – A resident of Milwaukee, WI, native of Opelousas, LA, died in Milwaukee on January 30, 2011 at the age of 58. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Faul Kidder.He was raised on a farm in Prairie Rhonde, attended Opelousas High School, and graduated from Teurlings High School in 1970. He earned a business degree in 1973 from the University of Southwestern Louisiana where he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta Social Fraternity. He first worked for Monsanto Chemical Company, then served as Chief Administrator of the Department of Agriculture in Baton Rouge. He then worked for Vie de France in Chicago, IL, the French-owned company that helped to make croissants more popular in the U.S. He then began his own wholesale croissant company, "Croissant, Etc.", which successfully served the northeastern U.S. Gerald is survived by his father, Melvin Kidder of Opelousas, LA, his step-mother, Lee Anna Kidder, three brothers; John Kidder of New Orleans, Ronald Kidder of Lafayette, Dr. Glenn Kidder of Baton Rouge; and one sister, Cheryl Hedrick of Neosho, MO, Clyde Fontenot and Dalton Fontenot of Lawtell, LA, and sisters-in-law, Stacey Kidder of Baton Rouge, Dianne Savoy and Mona McRae of Lafayette, Kay Fontenot and Brenda Joubert of Lawtell. Among other survivors are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and close friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the health care providers at Aurora St. Luke's Hospital and Zilber Family Hospice.Gathering at THREE HOLY WOMEN CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. HEDWIG PARISH, 1702 N. Humboldt Avenue, Thursday, February 3, 10:30-11:00 AM. Memorial Mass 11:00 AM. A second service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 19, at Sacred Heart Chapel in Prairie Rhonde, LA.