Ralph H. Gerner

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 2:00pm at David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church, 2740 David’s Star Rd., Jackson for Ralph H. Gerner, “Cowboy” of Jackson who passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at the age of 80 years at Kathy Hospice from stage 4 bladder cancer. Interment will follow the service at Immanuel Cemetery in Jackson. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 11:45am to 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School or WELS Mission appreciated. The funeral will be live streaming at www.davidsstar.org. Ralph was born on March 16, 1941 at Bauer Birth Home in West Bend, the son of the late Arnold and Evelyn (nee Melbinger) Gerner. He grew up on a farm on Scenic Drive in West Bend. On August 24, 1963 Ralph was united in marriage to Elaine Prochnow at David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church in Jackson where he continued to enjoy the membership and bible study. After graduating he spent 33 years working for Mercury Marine in Cedarburg and Fond du Lac. At the age of 19, Ralph had a toboggan accident that resulted in 12 surgeries and 10 hip replacements. After Mercury Marine he transported people for the Red Cross and the Interfaith. Ralph was known as the “Cowboy”, as he loved western wear. Ralph enjoyed making black powder guns and wagon wheel light fixtures along with lights made from wagon wheel hubs and wood plains with round lighting ball shades. Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine (nee Prochnow), son Ross (Traci), 3 grandchildren Hailee Grace, Alexis Faith and Ashton Ross, brother Richard (Bonnie) Gerner, brothers-in-law, Jerry (Arlene) Prochnow, James Matenaer, Glen (Linda) Prochnow, Dale (Carolyn) Prochnow, Warren (Holly) Prochnow and Jeff (Julie) Prochnow, sisters-in-law, Diane Brandt, Annette (Tom) Miller and Carol (Mark) Viesselman and lots of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Evelyn, father and mother-in-law Albert and Anita (nee Kohlwey) Prochnow, sister-in-law, Sharon Matenaer and brother-in-law, Bill Brandt.