July 30, 2025 – Jackson, WI – Kenneth Raymond Henry Herman, of Jackson, WI, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on July 24, 2025. He is survived by his children Pamela (Paul) Esselman, Kay Herman, and Amy (Dan) Ermer; Son-In-law Tom Herther; his grandchildren Kristin (Dan) Feller, Erik (Jennifer) Esselman, Jason (Jennifer) Herther, Megan (Tim) Gundrum, Tyler (Ashley) Wagner, Brooke (Ryan) Theusch, Ashley (Luke) Kreis, DJ Ermer, and Jake (Montana) Ermer; 24 great-grandchildren. Further survived by sisters-in-law Marlene Hagenow and Yvonne Nunez, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Beverly, his daughter Susan Herther, his parents Raymond and Irma Herman, and his in-laws Erhardt and Erna Butzke.
Ken was born to Raymond and Irma (nee Knop) Herman on July 26, 1931, in Jackson, where he was raised on the family farm.
Kenneth attended a 2-room school house in the elementary years and later West Bend High School, where he was a 4-year letterman in football as a guard and a 3-year letterman in baseball as a catcher. He went on to play for West Bend Lithia, Land of Lakes, and church league ball games. His first job was during World War 2, putting tent stakes in bundles for 10 cents an hour. Ken later became a successful mason.
Ken met the love of his life, Beverly Butzke, at the Rockfield Inn Harvest Polka Dance. They were engaged before he left for the service and made plans via letters for the next 2 years. On November 14, 1953, the two were married at David’s Star Lutheran Church.
He was very proud of serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Semper Fi! As the saying goes, Ken certainly was Always Faithful. Kenneth served from August 1951 to August 1953, in the Korean War. He was very dedicated and active in the Henry F. Gumm Legion Post 486.
His true passion was his four daughters. He wanted short names that were easy to write, thus Pam, Sue, Kay, and Amy. When asking for advice, a favorite saying was “Do what you think is right.”
A hard worker, Ken built his first home on land from his father, then built his second and forever home, where his daughters spent their childhoods. He built both houses mostly by himself, with some help from friends. He took pride in his large garden, which benefited the whole family! Ken also enjoyed reading, watching the Packers and loved the Brewers.
Church was important to him. He was in the choir for many years, and served in different capacities on church councils. He believed in always wearing your best- thus suits and ties every week! He accumulated quite the tie collection. One of his favorite parts was all the hugs he got from friends at church.
A funeral service for Ken will be held on August 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church (4860 Arthur Ave, Slinger WI, 53086) with Pastor Josh Gyson officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM-12 PM. Kenneth will be interred at Washington County Memorial Park.
Special thanks to Kettle Moraine Gardens for the love and care they gave Kenneth, and to Horizon Hospice Care.
Memorial donations are appreciated to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Slinger, or The Stars & Stripes Honor Flight.
The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.
