Ralph J. Gehrmann, 88, of Elkhorn and formerly Lake Beulah, died Feb. 8, 2016, with family at his side.
Born in Milwaukee, he was a graduate of Pulaski High School. At 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Rendova.
He was the president and owner of a meat packing plant, Nacker Packing Co. Inc. He served on the board of directors at Layton State Bank and Lake Beulah Yacht Club of which he enjoyed membership for more than 70 years.
He was an extremely hard worker and was at his best as a wonderful son, husband, father, brother, role model and friend. He enjoyed car collecting, travelling, skiing, sailing, boating, swimming and sharing good jokes.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty; daughters, Mary (Mark) Wisner, Carol (Robert) Klement; grandchildren, Carleen (Derek) Nest, Neal Klement, Kate Klement; great-granddaughter, Kinley Kay Nest; sister, Marian White; and many friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth, and brother, Gordon.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1236 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will be in Arlington Park Cemetery.
Memorials to the Lake Beulah Sailing School are suggested.
Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home, Hartford, is assisting the family.
