Gerald L. Pennekamp

Gerald L. Pennekamp, age 85, of Potosi, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Black River Falls, WI, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 24, 1940, the son of Lawrence and Laura (Udelhoven) Pennekamp. Gerald attended Potosi schools and helped his father farm. On August 8, 1961, Gerald was united in marriage to Kathleen Marcue in Potosi. He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for several years and also operated a commercial fishing company on the Mississippi River with his wife and three sons. Gerald enjoyed hunting, especially fox hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and spending time up North on Barbara Lake.

Survivors include his three sons: Jeff (Nancy), Larry (Karen) and Greg Pennekamp; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; his siblings: Ruth Kartman, Donnie (Rita) Pennekamp, and Janice Blindert; sisters-in-law: Cindy Furry and Jerri Pennekamp; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen on December 12, 2013; his siblings: Jimmy, Roger and Vincent Pennekamp; granddaughter, Katie; and brothers-in-law: Larry Kartman and Dean Blindert.

Gerald had two statements to live by: “We gotta try harder, “which translated to “We gotta work harder” and later in life, “We’ll make it work.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating. Burial will be in St. Andrew Cemetery, Tennyson. Family and friends may visit on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Potosi is entrusted with his care.