Hermsen, James

Other Events:

• Obituary: 5 Mar 2012; Green Bay Press Gazette

Notes:

Obituary:
James W. Hermsen passed away on March 3, 2012, at the age of 94. He was born in Oconto, to Chris and Emily (Herman) Hermsen on Jan. 28, 1918. He graduated from Oconto High School, where he played football and basketball. In his senior year, he finished second in scoring in the conference and was a unanimous choice for the all-conference team.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from UW-Whitewater, where he played on the varsity basketball team for four years. After graduating from Whitewater, James enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 95th infantry division. It became part of General Patton's Third Army in the European Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After his discharge, James married Evelyn Falk on Nov. 7, 1945, in Oconto.
He began teaching and coaching at Suring High School in 1946. In 1954, he transferred to Oconto High School as a Business Education teacher. He coached the high school golf team for 23 years. He retired in 1980 after 34 years of teaching. Jim composed his own obituary in 2006 on his manual Royal typewriter.
James was preceded in death by his wife on July 26, 1987; his daughter, Barbara Panetti, on March 31, 1998; and ten siblings, Lylla, Lita, Edward, Howard, Gordon, Russell, Ruth, Lee, Patrick, and Marge.
Survivors include six children and their spouses, John (Patti), and Robert (Marsha), Naples, Fla.; Janet (Michael) Schoenebeck and Karen (Roger) Toole, Green Bay; Debra (Martin) Penkoske, Brookfield, Wis.; and Joyce Benson, Fort Myers, Fla.; 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Roger, Appleton.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 716 Madison Street, Oconto, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will be at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites by the American Legion Post #74.
The Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from March 5 to March 6, 2012