Gerd J. Hodermann

Passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023, at the age of 79. Devoted husband of Pamela (nee Block) for 40 years. Cherished father of Karin (Todd) Schei, Kurt (Heather Mitsch) (grandsons Andrew and Kyle) Hodermann, Alexandra (Carlos) (grandson Remy) Valenzuela, Angela (Kevin) Rollinger, and the late Day Hodermann. Dear brother of Christina (Larry) Haisting. Proud grandfather of five and loved by many other family and friends including his very dear Aunt Erna Dietzel in Germany. Preceded in death by his mom, Anna (nee Dietzel) Hodermann Peck, father Hugo Hodermann and stepfather Gerald Peck.

Gerd was born on February 29, 1944, in the small town of Empfertshausen, Germany. This was a time of turmoil. His father, Hugo Hodermann served as a sailor on the U250 Submarine. Hugo died when the U250 was sunk by Russian depth charges while in the Gulf of Finland on July 30, 1944.

After the war, his hometown became part of East Germany under Russian control. In 1952 when his mother learned that they were going to be deported to Russia, she developed a plan and successfully escaped over the East German border under gunfire. After years of waiting, Anna received approval to join her parents in the United States and arrived in Madison, Wisconsin in February of 1954. Gerd was very connected to his German heritage, making many trips back to Germany with his family to see friends and relatives once travel was allowed to East Germany. Father’s Day at the Schwabenhof and German Fest were events he loved to celebrate every year with his family.

Gerd graduated from Madison East High School where he excelled in track and enjoyed long distance biking with his buddies. He attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated with a degree in Political Science. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen while attending college.

He married Nancy Mahnke (nee Freeding) in 1965 and had two children, Karin and Kurt.

In 1982, he married Pamela and they had three daughters, Alexandra, Angela, and Dayja. He loved animals and fostered dozens of dogs and hundreds of kittens and cats, every so often adopting one he just could not let go of.

Gerd enjoyed serving as a law enforcement officer and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Gerd loved the outdoors and camping trips. He cherished his time spent in Reedsburg, WI, on the family’s land and his annual hunting weekends with family at the Harvey Hideaway in Merrill, WI. During football season, Gerd would not miss a Wisconsin Badgers or Green Bay Packers game.

An infamous storyteller, Gerd could strike up a conversation with anyone in any situation. He had the natural ability to connect with people and offer words of wisdom, strength, or humor to those who needed it. His charisma leaves an impression on the hearts of many. As much as he is dearly loved, he is also dearly missed.

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, April 21st, at 4:00 PM until the time of the Service of Remembrance at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Canine Cupids or Urban Cat Coalition.