Gerald L. “Jiggs” Herman was called home to eternal life on November 3, 2026, after passing peacefully at Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Jiggs was born on August 25, 1939, in Manitowoc, to the late Walter and Barbara (Sickinger) Herman. He attended Holy Innocents Parochial School and Lincoln High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. Following graduation, he began a 37-year career with the Manitowoc County Highway Department, where he worked until his retirement.
On September 14, 1957, Jiggs married the love of his life, Karen Rathsack, beginning a lifetime of partnership and family. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Linda (Rick) Nelson, Lorrie Best (Don Best), Don (Lisa) Herman, and Barb (Ross) Hofmann.
Jiggs was blessed with nine grandchildren: Kari (Grant) Zimmermann, Laura (Zach) Skarda, Amber (Evan) Disher, Hannah Best and special friend Tanner, and John Best, Jessica and Jack Herman, and Erik and Ellie Hofmann. His family then grew with six great-grandchildren: Ashir and Leyda Skarda, Cale and Camryn Zimmermann, and Brecken and Briar Disher.
Family was the center of his world. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Jiggs treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Watching his family grow and being part of their lives brought him some of his greatest joy. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his son, working together on his land in Valders. These simple moments and the memories made along the way were among the things Jiggs cherished most.
He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Leroy (Pat) Herman, Violet (Ken) Peterson, Inez (Ray) Schuh, Jim Herman, and Evie (Al) Koch-Meyer. He is survived by his sister, Joyce (Gary) Kotchi.
Through his marriage to Karen, Jiggs also became part of the Rathsack family. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Clarence and Lorraine Rathsack, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles (Peggy) Rathsack, Clarence (Renee) Rathsack, Louis (Janie) Rathsack, Katy (Bill) Jens, Clarice (Shelly) Schaden, Mary (Wynn) Jansky, Joseph Rathsack, and Don Malley. He is survived by his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat Malley and John (Sheryl) Rathsack.
Jiggs will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. His greatest accomplishment was not measured in years of work or things accumulated, but in the family he helped build and the love he gave so generously. The memories, laughter, lessons, and time shared with those he loved will continue to live on through generations.
Though his family will miss him more than words can express, his memory will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Lakeshore Life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Blvd., Manitowoc. Rev. Dave Beaudry will officiate. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Jens Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
