Herman R. Kerl Jr

MADISON - Herman R. Kerl, age 84, passed away peacefully Friday April 16, 2010. Born in Madison to Herman P. and Mayme (Lenter) Kerl August 16, 1925, he was drafted into the U.S. Army while attending West High School and proudly served his country in World War II. He married Genevieve Pribbenow on September 23, 1950, raised five children, enjoyed four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Herman was a determined man. He went from working at a lumber yard to becoming a member of Local Carpenter Union #314, and built the house in which he raised his family. While he worked as a carpenter, he served as a "dance inspector" (bouncer) at night, then worked as a part-time cook at the Ivy Inn restaurant, which he and his wife Jennie later managed. They owned and operated Club Sunset of Lodi from 1975 to 1988. He had a thirst for knowledge, and enjoyed sharing it, from how to shingle a roof to the proper way to slice bread. Though he sometimes came across as gruff, he enjoyed quietly giving money and lodging to those in need. Herman was a member of many organizations during his life including the Lodi Masonic Lodge, the Eagles Club of Madison and the USA Tug-O-War Association. Herman took great pride in his culinary skills, and often lent his services to events of each organization. After he retired, he found smaller pleasures. He gardened and sold his produce at the Hilldale Farmers Market, fished, and spent winters in Florida where he developed an interest in wood carving. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren sharing his interest in vegetable gardening and hunting at the family cabin. Family was more than blood to Herman. He lived the majority of his life in the same Madison west-side neighborhood, and though people came and went, they were all part of his extended family. Whether it was cooking for a block party, taking in a troubled child, or helping out a neighbor, he always stayed involved. Herman was many things, but most of all he was the head of a family which extended beyond blood lines. He leaves behind a legacy which will live on for generations. Herman is survived by five children, Arthur Kerl (Barb Meyers), Mary (George) Lulling, Robert (Nancy) Kerl, Betty (Dick) Bauhs and April (Mark) Hochstein; four grandsons, Robert Lulling, Paul (Crystal) Lulling, Dick Bauhs (Emily Camfield), and Brian Bauhs; a great grandson, Tobias Bauhs; a brother Robert (Melissa) Kerl; sister-in-law Violet Lafler; and brother-in-law Maynard Pribbenow (Diane Hoard). In addition to his wife, Genevieve, he was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Florence Thompson, brothers-in-law Willis Thompson, Butch Knapton, Harold Lafler, Clarence Spoehr; and sister-in-law Irene Spoehr. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave, Middleton at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 20, 2010 with the Reverend Katherine Baardseth presiding. Burial with military honors will be in Valley Home Cemetery, Cross Plains. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 with Masonic services held at 6:45 p.m. Friends may also call on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Dr. Ewalt and the staff at Associated Physicians and HospiceCare Inc for their help and support Visitation: Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 with Masonic services held at 6:45 p.m. Friends may also call on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home Service: Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave, Middleton at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 20, 2010 with the Reverend Katherine Baardseth presiding.