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Obituary for James W. Hermsen
James W. Hermsen passed away on March 3, 2012, at the age of 94. He was born in Oconto to Chris and Emily (Herman) Hermsen on January 28, 19l8. He graduated from Oconto High School where he played football and basketball. In his senior year, he finished second in scoring in the conference and was a unanimous choice for the all-conference team. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from UW-Whitewater where he played on the varsity basketball team for four years. After graduating from Whitewater, James enlisted in the army and was assigned to the 95th infantry division. It became part of General Patton's Third army in the European Theater. He was awarded the bronze star. After his discharge, James married Evelyn Falk on November 7, 1945, in Oconto. He began teaching and coaching at Suring High School in 1946. In 1954 he transferred to Oconto High School as a Business Education teacher. He coached the high school golf team for 23 years. He retired in 1980 after 34 years of teaching. Jim composed his own obituary in 2006 on his manual Royal typewriter. James was preceded in death by his wife on July 26, 1987, his daughter Barbara Panetti on March 31, 1998, and ten siblings (Lylla, Lita, Edward, Howard, Gordon, Russell, Ruth, Lee, Patrick, and Marge.) Survivors include six children and their spouses: John (Patti), and Robert (Marsha), Naples, FL; Janet (Michael) Schoenebeck and Karen (Roger) Toole, Green Bay; Debra (Martin) Penkoske, Brookfield, WI; and Joyce Benson, Fort Myers, FL; 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; and one brother Roger, Appleton. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 716 Madison Street, Oconto, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will be at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Post #74. The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, is assisting the family. On line condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net
Cemetery: Oconto Catholic Cemetery
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Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
7
Mar
9:00 AM3/7/2012 9:00:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
3/7/2012 11:00:00 AM
