James "Boomer" Gerrits Jr.

On Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, James “Boomer” Raymond Gerrits  Jr., beloved son, brother, and father of two children, passed away at the age of 49. Boomer was born on January 14th, 1972 in Appleton, WI to Jim and Kathy (Rathsack) Gerrits. After graduating at Xavier high school in 1990 he worked many years as a millwright at both Appleton Papers and Tidi. He was previously married to Katie (DeBruin) Christie, Stephanie Hunnicutt, and was currently engaged to Cindy Dietel. He raised two kids he was extremely proud of, Jack and Kayla (Jon Brunner) Gerrits. Boomer had many interests including fishing for catfish, drumming, hunting rabbits, cooking, riding his Harley-Davidson, sitting around the fire pit and one of his biggest passions – watching the Steelers play football. He cherished his family and was always popping in and out visiting whenever he could.

Boomer was preceded in death by Robert (Bob) and Mildred (Millie) Gerrits, Quintin (Bud) and Kathleen (Kitty) Rathsack, Aunt Ruth Tlamka, Uncles Robert, David, and Joseph Rathsack, Bob Gerrits Jr, and Joe Wolters, cousins Sarah Stone, Brian Rathsack, Tyler Rathsack, and Bradley Heenan. He is survived by his parents Jim and Kathy (Rathsack) Gerrits, Jack and Kayla (Jon Brunner) Gerrits, his fiance Cindy, his sisters Kim (Bill) Sullivan, Katie (Ben) Sell, and Julie (Chad) Bungert, nieces Samantha Sullivan and Allison Sell, nephews Michael, Max, and Mitch Sullivan, Dylan Sell, and Colton, Jordy, and Collin Bungert, godparents Bonnie and Gary Funk, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The Funeral Liturgy for Boomer will take place at 11:30 am on Friday, October 15, 2021, at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 500 W. Marquette St. Appleton, with Father James Jugenheimer officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior St. Appleton, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again at CHURCH on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of Mass.  Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery to follow.