Larry A. Gergens

Larry Gergens of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, passed away on April 10, 2013, at the age of 71 after a valiant fight against acute myeloid leukemia. Larry is survived by Dee, his loving wife and dearest friend for over 50 years; sons, Jay (Colette) and Tim (Pam) Gergens; grandchildren, Kristina Gergens, Eric Gergens, Charlie Gergens, Julia Gergens, Kyle Birkholz and Nikki Birkholz; and brother, Loren Gergens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Velma Gergens, sister Maxene Hamilton and brother Lee Gergens. Larry was born October 16, 1941 in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Warren and Velma Gergens. Larry spent his childhood years on the family farm in Humboldt, Nebraska. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska earning his BS degree in 1964 with a major in accounting and business administration. While in college, he met the love of his life, and on June 9, 1962, Larry and Dee (Sharples) were married in Lincoln, Nebraska. Two sons were born to this union, Jay and Tim. Upon graduation, Larry began a 37 year career with Kemps Dairy, LLC. In the early years, Larry held many accounting jobs. In 1977, he was named Vice President of the Eastern Division which included Wisconsin and Chicago. Larry and Dee chose to move to Cedarburg as a central point for the new job. In 1987, Larry was asked to move to the Kemps corporate offices in Minneapolis where he served as COO the last 13 years of his career. After retirement, Larry began his second career as a community volunteer. While in Hudson, Wisconsin, he served five years as President of the Stonepine Homeowners Association, three years as Treasurer of the Hudson Golf Club, and was a member of the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club. In 2005, Larry and Dee moved back to Cedarburg to be near their children and grandchildren. Upon returning to Cedarburg, Larry became very active in the community. He was a proud member of the Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Club. Larry had a passion for the Cedarburg Cultural Center, especially their historic sites. He served on the CCC Board for six years, the last year as President. His greatest pleasure was serving his church, Community United Methodist. He served on several committees and was Finance Secretary for four years. Most recently, he had served two years as Church Treasurer. Finally, Larry never lost his passion for golf. Thanks to Dr. Atallah and the entire staff at Froedtert Hospital, Dr. Nand at St. Mary’s Ozaukee and Dr. Budny. A heartfelt thank you to Rev. Dr. David Blackmer. “PD” was a constant source of inspiration & compassion throughout Larry’s final journey. Funeral service Monday, April 15, 7:00 PM at Community United Methodist Church, Cedarburg. Visitation 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM. Interment Zur Ruhe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cedarburg Community United Methodist Church to be directed to the benevolence fund are appreciated. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cedarburg Community United Methodist Church to be directed to the benevolence fund are appreciated.