Madison – Henry Stern Gerth, loving brother, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor left us to join his heavenly family on August 3, 2021.

Hank was born January 15, 1927, in Clyman, WI to Henry and Paula (Stern) Gerth. He grew up in Clyman, attended Juneau High School, and graduated in 1944. He loved his childhood and had an endless number of stories to entertain us with from that time, usually including mischief of one type or another.

He joined the Navy in February 1945, serving in the South Pacific aboard the USS Jason through 1946. He was primarily stationed in the Philippines and Shanghai, but also wound up crossing the Pacific non-stop three times in a row, a feat he’d frequently mention and marvel at.

After returning home, he continued his career with the Chicago & North Western Railroad. He married Janie Hulett on June 17, 1950. They lived in Clyman until they built their house in Madison in 1952, where they lived the rest of their lives. Upon moving to Madison, they joined St Paul’s Lutheran Church then transferred to Eastside Lutheran where they remained devoted members.

Hank became a signalman with the C&NW, based in Madison, but covering most of southern Wisconsin. He was an active member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, serving as a local chairman until he was elected General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen for the C&NW in 1969. He was proud of attending the George Meany School of Labor Studies in Washington, DC several times during his tenure.  He continued in this role, representing signalmen from the C&NW, CGW, and RI, until retiring in 1989.

Janie and Hank enjoyed their retirement years by traveling, caring for their children, grandchildren, many beagles, cats and one Norwegian elkhound, visiting Lake Sherwood, playing cards, gardening, and engaging in a host of other activities before Janie passed away on January 16, 2003.

Henry continued to enjoy his friends and family until his last breath. He could strike up a relationship with anyone he met, and would leave them feeling cared for, as many of his longtime friends and colleagues will attest. He loved fairness but also loved kindness. He wouldn’t keep it from us if we did something wrong but wouldn’t hold it against us for very long.

Henry is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Paul) Psilos, his son, Mark (Pamela) Gerth, grandchildren Mark (Grace) & William Psilos, Ryan & Ashley Gerth, and Megan & Tristan Gerth, his sister, Audrey (Gerth) Fancher, his cousin, Ronald Gerth, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janie (Hulett), his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Jill (Kasbaum), his parents, two of his sisters, Vivian and Marjorie, and his brother, Vernon.

His strong faith helped him endure many tragedies. The only lasting mark they left on him was a tear that would quickly appear in his eye and a quiver that would take over his voice when he had to say goodbye to one of his family or friends after a visit, or when he spoke of someone who was gone, or when a memory would come over him, a trait that will now be shared by his family.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2310 Independence Ln, Madison, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and also on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison, with full military honors. 

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

 

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257