Gerald Herwald

Gerald "Jerry" Nicholas Herwald, affectionately known as "Herk," passed away in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on May 22nd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 23rd, 1938. In his youth, Jerry “Herk” spent his time with his neighborhood buddies. They were a pack of six. They spent time making forts, playing along the Fox River, jumping trains, and biking all over Green Bay. Jerry remained friends with all of them until they made their way to heaven. Jerry would say, " I'm the last one standing”.

Jerry was married to Janet Stowe for 32 years, together they raised four children: Wade Allan Herwald, Nikki Joy Pollman (Rob), Dana Sue Herwald (Jeff), and Chad Michael Herwald (DeAnna). He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Karlee Borzchyk (Mitch), Keegan Hansen (Steve), Sophia Pollman, Robby Pollman, Marshall Flora, Lily and Samuel Herwald. Additionally, he was blessed with two great-granddaughters, Ridley and Harper Hansen.

As a father, Jerry never missed his children’s hockey, baseball, softball, or basketball games. He attended swimming, diving, gymnastics meets, as well as dance recitals. Jerry would work back-to-back shifts, ensuring he could attend his children's activities. Jerry kept that tradition going by attending his grandchildren’s and nephews’ sporting events.

Jerry was a successful Golden Gloves boxer, competing in the lightweight division. He played multiple seasons with the Manitowoc Chiefs Semi-Pro Football Team and played years of competitive baseball with the Nicolet Paper Men’s Baseball League. For a decade, Jerry passionately coached boys and a few girls (his daughters) in Little League Baseball. He coached the Cubs, leading them to three, four, and five-peat league championships. He was a positive influence and a wonderful mentor to the young athletes he guided. Jerry enjoyed running 20 to 25 miles daily on his Nordic track until he turned 80, often joking, "I've run to Florida and back, made it to California, Massachusetts, and even Canada!"

An enthusiastic motorcyclist, Jerry rode various classic hot-rod motorcycles. One of his closest and dearest friends, William “Wild Bill” Glebky, built him two incredible cycles that he rode for years. Jerry graduated from the hot-rod models to Honda Gold Wing cycles; he rode motorcycles until he was 83 years old. Jerry traveled cross-country with friends, visiting the East Coast, West Coast, and all corners of the United States, spending 65 years exploring the country on two wheels. Professionally, Jerry worked as a beater engineer at Nicolet Paper for over 35 years and served as the union president of the Local 6288 International Paper Workers Union. Jerry retired at the age of 62.

Jerry moved on and spent 19 years with Nancy Mommaerts riding motorcycles, vacationing, and spending time in the Northwoods at his cottage in Wabeno, Wisconsin.

Jerry spent time with Cheryl Wegner, motorcycling to Door County and anywhere they decided to cruise for the day. They would visit Jerry’s family and friends on their day trips. Cheryl and her daughter, Shealynn Wegner spent quality time with Jerry and helped him by making meals for him and anything else he needed help with.

“Herk” led a remarkable life. He lived the majority of his life in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before becoming a snowbird in Brooksville and North Fort Myers, Florida.

Jerry is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two sisters, Gloria Couillard and Sandy Hurkus, along with many nieces, nephews, and a great niece.

Thank you to Nancy Mommaerts for stepping forward and offering to care for Herk in her home for 45 days while his family made his home safe for him to live in upon his return to Wisconsin.

A very special thank you to Jerry’s daughter, Dana, and Jeff Flatynski for providing compassionate and loving in-home care for Jerry around the clock, listening to all of Jerry’s stories, past and present, time and time again. Thank you to son Wade, who served as Jerry's right-hand man, helping maintain his rental properties over the years and sharing his love of classic cars. Thank you to daughter Nikki, who gave countless hours coordinating his care and finances, showing up with constant strength, love, and support. Thank you to son Chad, who provided spiritual guidance, storytelling, and laughter. Together, his four children fulfilled Jerry’s last request to remain in his home during his final days.

Thank you to niece Tara Couillard for sharing love, compassion, humor, and cooking skills with Uncle Jerry. Together, they would make his favorite cookies and strawberry cake. Also, a thank you to Unity Hospice staff for guiding the family through this very difficult time.

Jerry was laid to rest in Fort Howard Memorial Park, in a private service, surrounded by his family.