Richard N. Gjermo

COTTAGE GROVE - Richard N. Gjermo, age 83, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Archwood Senior Living. He was born on Sept. 18, 1937, in Stoughton, the son of Newman and Frances (Brickson) Gjermo. Richard graduated from Stoughton High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard. He married the love of his life Ruth Eleanor Horstmeyer on Oct. 15, 1960, at Hope Lutheran Church. He and Ruth were members of West Koshkonong Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church. They were married for 50 years. Richard worked for Chase Lumber for almost 50 years, managing the Cottage Grove yard for over 38 years and serving on Chase Lumber’s Board of Directors for seven years. He was a charter member of the Cottage Grove Lions Club and served for 40 years, receiving the Melvin Jones Lion Fellowship Award, the Birch-Sturm Fellowship Award and the Cottage Grove Lions Club Citizen Award. He was active in the Cottage Grove Fire Department for 29 years and served as Assistant Fire Chief for 13 years. Richard and Ruth spent many hours boating, and they loved taking cruises and traveling. Richard enjoyed golfing, playing Euchre, and was a big fan of Badgers sports and the Packers. He truly loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their various activities. Richard is survived by his son, Rock (Cathy) Gjermo; daughter, Rhonda (Scott) Jenkins; six grandchildren, Britta (Dan) Morrison, Hanna (Isaac) Chomitz, Natalie Gjermo, Abbigail (Andrew), Rachel and Cal Jenkins; sister, Donna (Jon) Simon; two sisters-in-law, Fran (Mel) Hubred and Janice Horstmeyer; as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Gjermo; parents; and brother, Arlan Gjermo. A funeral service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, with the Rev. Beth Schultz-Byrnes presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 12 noon until the time of the service on Saturday. Following the service, a celebration of life gathering and cookout will be held at Cottage Grove Firemen’s Park. A family burial will be held later at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be gifted in Richard’s name to Cottage Grove Lions Scholarship Fund. The family would like to thank the staff of Skaalen Assisted Living and Archwood Assisted Living for their wonderful care of Richard the past few years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420