Gerald Leonard Ihm

BARNEVELD - Gerald Leonard “Jerry” lhm, age 84, of Barneveld, passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 10, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

Jerry's life was rich with the roles of husband, father, grandfather, farmer, neighbor, friend, brother, uncle and cousin.

Jerry was born in Lancaster, Wis., on March 27, 1941, the son of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Fuerstenberg) lhm. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, married his wife, Lorraine (Amble) on July 13, 1962, and were together for 62 years. Jerry and Lorraine began farming and raised their six children on what became known as their home farm, True-Blue Registered Holsteins.

Jerry was known on the CB radio as Blue Boy. Like any farmer, he stayed busy with animals and crops, while his outdoor preference was fencing and cutting wood with his brothers, Joe and Bob. He could get your attention across the farm with his whistle. He received a Star Farmer award and shared stories of his "Babe Ruth" cow.

If you spent more than a few minutes with Jerry, you likely heard a joke and saw his big smile. He had a series of go-to one-liners, and his family recalls him saying, "that was easy, let's do that again" or "glad I thought of that." He was a talker and could talk your ear off, remembering stories and details from years ago.

When Jerry and Lorraine moved off the farm and into town, he enjoyed sitting outside and watching the neighborhood. The neighbor kids would come by to get popsicles and ride the toys from the garage. He liked to sit stationary during trick-or-treating and add a little scare to the experience. Jerry was proud of his garden, having both the large one in the country and his garden on the wagon in his yard.

Jerry liked to go to the casino and on drives in the countryside. He belonged to the Barneveld Legion and was a member of St. Bridget Church. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved hearing the little kids talk and was proud to tell others about all his grandkids.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Lorraine lhm; children, Jeff (Kim) lhm, Pam (Scott) Hellenbrand, Rick (Jackie) lhm, Kevin (Michelle) lhm, Jason lhm and Tara Czerwinski; 13 grandchildren, Tyler, Travis, Brandon, Connor, Kyla, Carter, Amanda, Tamra, Ellie, Parker, Marissa, Trinity and Camryn; and 12 great-grandchildren, Blake, Skylar, Liv, Kaiden, Kinsley, Coast, Suede, Hew, Olivia, Benjamin, Ada and Rylee. He is further survived by his brother, Joe (Lynn) Ihm; sister, Delores (Tom) Murphy; and in-laws, Chuck (Judy) Amble, Richard Amble (Roselyn), Kenny (RoxAnne) Amble, Gary (Phyllis) Amble, Leslie (Trisha) Amble and Sharon Marten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth (Fuerstenberg) lhm; brothers, Lawrence (Alvera) lhm, John Ihm, Jim Ihm,and Bob (Geraldine) Ihm; sisters, Margaret (Donald) Taylor and Rita (John) Hannah; his infant daughter, Barb Ihm; son-in-law, David Czerwinski; and in-laws, Carl and Adeline (Peterson) Amble, Christine (Dick) Broadwell, Roger (Ellen) Amble, Marsha Amble, John (Judy) Amble, Lolly Amble and LaVern Marten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BRIDGET'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 803 Main St., Ridgeway, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with Father Rob Butz presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bridget Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the BARNEVELD LEGION HALL, 102 Wood St., Barneveld, following the service. All are welcome. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

The family would like to thank Upland Hills Health Hospice, Dr. Grunow, and a special thank you to Ashley for her care in his final few weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077