James Gerharz, 83, of Kiel, died peacefully from complications with dementia, with his wife and son at his side on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.  He has resided at Sunny Ridge Nursing Home, Sheboygan, since 2020.  Jim was born June 23, 1938, in Sheboygan, to the late Otto and Marie (Herwig) Gerharz.  He attended St. Peter Claver and Central High Schools.  Jim enlisted in the United States Army and retired after serving 21 years.  On January 26, 1988, he married Judith Dedering-Rountree at the Chapel of the Roses in Las Vegas.  Their wedding dinner was followed by the Paul Anka Show, where they were spotted by Paul on the stage.  He came down to their table and sang to them, then dedicated the rest of his performance "to the newlyweds."  Jim was employed by Johnsonville as a truck driver, retiring in 2000.  His hobbies included traveling, fishing, golfing, and visiting casinos.  He loved to share stories of interest during his military career, his favorite being sitting down with Johnny Cash and drinking Johnny Walker Red scotch, driving a limo in a motorcade for the Queen of England and chauffeuring Gina Lollobrigida, among others.

Survivors include his wife, Judy, Kiel; his two sons, Ronald (Kathy) Gerharz, Sheboygan and David Gerharz of Garland, TX; his three grandsons, Michael and Sean Gerharz, Sheboygan and William (Stephanie) Schmidt, Adell; two daughters by marriage, Kristine (Jeff) Vogel, New Holstein and Lisa (Lee) Rountree, Sheboygan; grandkids, Shakari and Brandon Lomibao, Sheboygan, Jenny (Tyler) Klotz, Elkhart Lake, Tyler Lomibao, Little Chute and Mason Vogel, New Holstein; great-grandkids, Nataya, Jaliyah, Beckett and Boston, Avery and Orion; sisters-in-law, Karen Borcherding, OH, Debbie (Lou) Brito, SC and Dan Dedering, Elkhart Lake and numerous nieces, nephews and friends, including his favorite niece, Sandy (Ed) Kalmerton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Ray and Faye Dedering, brothers, Roman and Harold (Margaret), sisters, Dorothy (Matthew) Vreeke, Virginia (Anthony) Alexandroni, Loraine Gerharz and Margie (Fred) Byrum, infant step-daughter, Lori (Lisa's twin), two grandsons, Cameron Lomibao and Cody Schmidt, brothers-in-law, David Dedering, Daryl Will and Rich Borcherding and sister-in-law, Linda Weber.

In accordance with his wishes, Jim's cremation has taken place.  A private family memorial service will be held at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Kiel VFW Post #6707. The family requests that no flowers be sent.  A memorial fund will be established to benefit veterans.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire Sunny Ridge staff and the hospice team from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all the loving care and compassion shown to Jim during his home away from home journey.