Obituary: Harold Francis Gerdmann, Jr.

Harold Francis Gerdmann, Jr., 78, of Jacksonport, died March 22, 2016.

He was born March 26, 1937 in Nasewaupee, the son of Harold Francis Gerdmann, Sr. and Vergil Caroline Susan (Coply Sawdo) Gerdmann. Harold attended Sturgeon Bay High School into his sophomore year and graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1955. He then worked for Lesee Aluminum in Kewaunee. Harold entered into active duty with the United States Army on September 13, 1957 and served with the 123rd Signal Corp. of the 3rd Infantry Division until his honorable discharge and separation from active service on September 6, 1959. He remained with the Reserves until May 9, 1962.

After serving, Harold was employed with Hamilton Manufacturing in Two Rivers for over 14 years. After completion of a two-year degree at the ACME Institute of Technology in Manitowoc, he was a product design engineer at Mirro Aluminum for 25 years, retiring in the spring of 1999.

On June 29, 1968, Harold was united in marriage to Catherine Sigrid Husby at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Jacksonport.  He and Cathy were currently members of S.S. Peter & Paul Parish in Institute.

While living in Manitowoc, Harold was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a participant in Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) with Stella Maris. Harold and Cathy were active volunteers at S.S. Peter & Paul School. He and his friends were proud members of IDGAS. Harold enjoyed hunting and fishing and shot trap with the Kewaunee Trap Club. He helped obtain a co-patent while at Mirro. Above all, Harold loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his dear wife of over 47 years, Cathy of Jacksonport; three children, Timothy (fiancé, Melissa Brenton) of Tomahawk [Timothy’s step-children, Michael (Hilary) McElhinney of St. Paul, MN, Jennifer (Jeremy) Theiler of Tomahawk, Danny and Josh Janshen], Jennifer (Greg) Balthazor of Chase [their children, Gabriel and Olivia], Rebecca (Shaun) Young of Egg Harbor [their children, Karena and Erin]; sister, Arlene (Ed) Fager of Sturgeon Bay; many other relatives; and friends.

Harold was welcomed Home by his parents; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Gerdmann; and three siblings, Grace LeBotte, James and Elton “Tony” Gerdmann.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Institute with Fr. Anthony Birdsall as celebrant. Harold’s military service will be honored following Mass. He will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Jacksonport.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday evening, March 28, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with a parish wake service to be held at 7:45 p.m., led by Fr. Bob Stegmann. Visitation will continue at the church, Tuesday morning, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

“Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Unity Hospice staff, especially “Mo” Nellis, the Jacksonport First Responders, and Dr. J. Joshua Rebhan of Ministry Door County Northshore Medical Clinic for their wonderful, compassionate care.”

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.