Edward R. Gerhartz

Edward Robert Gerhartz was born in Stockbridge Wisconsin 10/13/1940 to Frank and Bertha Gerhartz. He had a large family of ten brothers and sisters, and while he was not the youngest, he was the last living child. Ed went to Stockbridge High School and joined the Marines for 4 years immediately after graduation. Upon his return he married Gen Schumacher, also from Stockbridge. They were married for almost 50 years before Gen lost a short battle with cancer in 2011. Together Ed and Gen shared the love of five children, Scott, Frank, Clete, Tim, and Carrie. After Gen passed, Ed was blessed to meet his second and forever love Dolly Diedrick. Ed and Dolly were married for thirteen happy years before he passed peacefully Monday 2/23/2026 at Frontida of Kimberly, with family holding his hands at his side. 

Over the years Ed was known for many things, his quick wit, his easy smile, his sarcastic comments, but most of all, his giving and compassionate heart. He taught special education religious ed, he coached soccer for his sons when they were in high school, he volunteered as a boy scout leader when the boys were younger. He also helped at St Joesphs food pantry as a volunteer for years, in addition to driving for meals on wheels in his retirement. While Ed was not a rich man, he gave so much of himself in time and talents to anyone in need. We are beyond proud to call him our dad. 

Some of the things Ed enjoyed the most were campfires and card games with friends and neighbors; he adored the Good News Choir through Holy Name and the decades of love and friendship they shared. He loved watching sports of all kinds, eating food of all kinds-especially a good Friday Fish Fry, and mostly he enjoyed napping! He would always say “there is no such thing as a bad nap!” When outside he would always be tinkering in the garage or garden, or napping on the back porch in the sun. But of all the things he loved, he loved his grandkids most! All throughout their lives grandma and grandpa were happy to babysit their 10+ grandkids, and 2 great grandchildren. He would play games, pop homemade popcorn, and go for nature hikes with an acquired walking stick for their adventure. His greatest joy was watching them grow up. 

Later in life, thanks to Dolly, Ed enjoyed the love of Florida every winter, something he would never have done without her encouragement. Dolly made dad as happy as we had ever seen him and for that his kids and grandkids are FOREVER grateful. With Dolly, Dad got three “bonus” kids, Karen, Lynn (Mike), and Mike (Pattie). With them he gained seven grandkids and seven great grandkids. And he loved each of them like his own. Thank you all for making this last 13 years so happy and for making dad feel so loved! 

In 85 years, you lose many people you love. Ed had lost his entire family, all siblings, and parents. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Frank and Tim, and his first love Gen. He is survived by his wife Dolly, his kids Scott (Rhonda), Clete (Kris), Carrie (Troy Duerst), Karen Lawrence, Mike (Pattie) Diedrick, Lynn (Mike) DeKoch. He is also survived by several grandkids: Justin, Tyler, Ryan (Bethani), Mitch (Whitney), and Mikaela Gerhartz. Evan, Bella, and Carsyn Van Cuyk, Aiden, Leo, Jacob, and Lily Duerst. And two great grandkids, Cora and Beckam Gerhartz. Ed was also survived by in-laws, Gene Funk, Diane Gerhartz, Larry Mankin, Rink Feldkamp, Chuck Schumacher, and Mary Kay Wagner. He is also survived by several of Dolly’s siblings and their spouses and children. There are more friends lost than remain, but if you are still here, please know, he loved every one of you! 

Special thanks to Joni and Gerry Jansen for weekly communion, and Rosie Hietpas for her frequent visits. Thank you to the staff at Frontida of Kimberly for your care and attention, as well as our heartfelt thanks to the Hospice nurses of Compasses who were so attentive and compassionate to dad.  

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Little Chute Location, 101 Canal Street. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.