James W. Gerhard, 76, beloved husband, loving father and adored papa, of Iron Mountain, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2008, at Bellin Hospital, Green Bay, Wis.
He was born December 16, 1931, in Manitowoc, Wis., son of the late Raymond and Gladys (Powell) Gerhard. James was raised in Mishicot, Wis., and graduated from Mishicot High School in 1951. After graduating, Jim enlisted in the US Army. He served in the army from 1951 to 1955. While in the army, Jim was sent overseas to Korea where he served for 21 months in the combat area. Jim went on to serve as Sergeant at the 5044th ASU Personnel Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. until he was honorably discharged on January 28, 1955.
Jim married the former Betty Sealander on September 10, 1955, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, Mich. They lived in Two Rivers, Wis. before moving to Iron Mountain in 1960. Jim worked for Retail Credit and Prudential before owning and operating his own insurance agency. He was employed part-time by the Iron Mountain Veterans Affairs Office for 15 years.
Jim was a devoted member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for over 25 years. He was an avid gardener, enthusiastic Packer fan, and greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He loved spending time with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; three daughters, Beth (Milan) Coburn, Valparaiso, Ind., Susan (Jeff) Saholt, Lakeville, Minn., Judy (Dan) Ryan, Coon Rapids, Minn.; one son, Robert Gerhard, Iron Mountain; 13 grandchildren, Eric (Allison), Matthew, and Paul Coburn, Melissa, Chloe, Gabriella, and Jonathan Saholt, Callie and Hannah Ryan, Adam, Abby, Nathan, and Charlie Gerhard; two brothers-in-law, George (Hazel) Sealander, Escanaba, Edward (Mary) Sealander, Philadelphia, Pa.; many nieces and nephews.
Friends may leave a tribute for Jim’s family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, is serving the family.
Visitation will be Friday, August 15, 2008, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain. The funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Friday at the church. Rev. Stephen Cowen will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. American Legion Uren-Cooper Post No. 50 of Iron Mountain will accord military honors at graveside.

Memorials may be made to the family for Jim’s favorite Christian charities.