James H. Gamerdinger
James H. Gamerdinger, 91, of Guttenberg, formerly of Dunkerton, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.
Visitation was Sunday, Nov. 26, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg and before services at the church.
Funeral services were Monday, Nov. 27, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, conducted by Rev. Marvin Bries.
Burial with military honors was at St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery in Dunkerton.
James was born on Sept. 4, 1932, in Tomah, Wis., the son of Albert Gamerdinger and Emma Martha Gusta (Kuehl) Tramel. He married Mary Margaret Wellner in Milwaukee, Wis. on Nov. 19, 1955.
As a young boy, Jim shined shoes and sold sandwiches to soldiers at Camp McCoy. Jim joined the Air Force, serving from April 1951 – 1955 in the Korean War; and the Reserves 1955 – 1959. He became a farmer and was employed by Square D, Fuller Brush Company, Titus Manufacturing, and John Deere Tractor Works, and then in 1976, he opened Pries Enterprises, where he retired in 1987. Jim achieved the National Tree Farmer of the Year Award. After retirement, he purchased his dream farm, which became his legacy. Jim was a proud father and patriarch to the “Dinger Nation.”
Jim loved to fish, garden, travel, and play cards. He really loved to hunt at his farm. His first deer he shot was a 10 point buck and his last deer, killed recently, was also a 10 point buck. He was a proud American who loved his country, but, the very most important things in his life he cherished, were his family and his legacy farm.
James was a proud 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. He also was a member of the Guttenberg Car Cruisers, Wounded Warriors, Guttenberg American Legion, National Forestry Association, Arbor Day Association, and NRA.
Survivors include his beautiful wife of 68 years, Mary; his children, Theodore (Angie) Gamerdinger, Gilbertville; Cristina Johari, Denver, IA; Timothy (Lori) Gamerdinger, Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Tony (Kerri) Gamerdinger, Dunkerton; Terrence (Judy) Gamerdinger, Marion; Thomas (Sharri) Gamerdinger, Nashua; Teresa (Rick) Deardoff, Silver Springs, Fla.; Lisa (Larry) Spencer, Fort Worth, Texas; Julie (Brian) Rottinghaus, Dunkerton; Jon (Dawn) Gamerdinger, Garner; Susan (Michael) Scott, Cedar Rapids; Jamie (Jen) Gamerdinger, Edgewood; 59 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Jack (Ruth) Gamerdinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Frank Gamerdinger, Bill Gamerdinger and Eddie Gamerdinger; one sister, Joan (Gamerdinger) Crawford; a son-in-law, Dr. Ken McMains; and two grandsons, Joshua Gamerdinger and Calvin Spencer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Corporation Resource Center, Guttenberg American Legion, or your favorite charity.
Information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
