SPARTA - Gerald F. Koltermann, 84, of Sparta, died Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born on October 20, 1939 to Willy and Laura (Niedfeldt) Koltermann, in Bangor, WI. He grew up in Bangor.
Gary started farming at the age of 14, in Barre Mills. He met Joan Mary Dinger, and they were married on September 30, 1961. Gary and Joan began farming in the Norwalk area, until they bought their own farm in Farmers Valley in 1964; where they raised their four children.
Throughout his life, Gary wore many hats, besides farming. He spent many years doing carpentry, and working in factories. He was always willing to help out his neighbors with their farm work. Gary loved to spend his time traveling, playing cards, and dancing. Gary and Joan opened their home and hearts; resulting in them being “Dad and Mom” or “Grandma and Grandpa” to many. As a devoted Lutheran, Gerald was honored to be Godfather on numerous occasions.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; and son, Donald; brothers, Willard, Frank, Emil, Roland, David, and Willy John; brother-in-law, George Mael; sisters-in-law, Beverly, Kathleen, Carmen and Jean Leis; niece, Caroly Stygar; and nephew, Lee Koltermann.
He is survived by daughters, Nancy (Stan) Spivey, Patsy (Al) Thurston, and Barb (Paul) Winslow; daughter in-law, Cindy; grandchildren, Jennifer, Cynthia (Josh), Donita (Josh), Alyssa, Ryan, Becca, Kelley, Kyle (Emilea); and 14 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by siblings, Lorraine, Roy (Clarice), and Arthur (Pat); sisters-in-law, Lois Olsen, Pat Koltermann, Irene (Leon) Leis, Lorna Koltermann, and Shirley Hansen; brother-in-law, Cliff Leis; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to the Morrow Home in Sparta, and the 4th floor Care team at Gundersen Health Systems, in La Crosse.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 28, 2024, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Jonathan Hackbarth officiating. Burial will follow, in St. John’s Cemetery, Sparta.
A visitation will be held from 4pm until 7 pm on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta; and from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
