James "Jim" Hermanson

James "Jim" Hermanson, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jim's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and perseverance. As a child, he spent his early years at the Northern Wisconsin Colony and Training School in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. It was there that he met Catherine "Cay" Schilling, the little girl who would become the love of his life. Both Jim and Cay were orphans. Together, they dreamed of building the family they never had.

After completing an eighth-grade education, Jim left the orphanage to live with extended family. Cay was welcomed into the Haas family in Milwaukee, where she proudly graduated from Fox Point High School. Though separated for a time, their bond endured. Jim served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army, and after returning home, he and Cay were married on August 26, 1956, in Fox Point.

Using his GI Bill, Jim purchased two lots on Lake Kegonsa and began a long and fulfilling career as a carpenter with Findorff, a company he was proud to work for and that was proud to have him. With his own hands, he built the red brick home where he and Cay raised their family. Years later, after retirement, he built a second home beside it, carefully laying every stone himself from rocks gathered along the shores of Lake Kegonsa.

Jim was, at heart, a builder. He believed in hard work, careful planning, and never wasting what still had value. While building his home, he famously straightened bent nails rather than throwing them away. It was simply who he was.

Together, Jim and Cay created a home that became a gathering place for family and friends. Raising his kids, Sundays meant church followed by A&W Root Beer. Summers were spent swimming and boating, where Jim proudly wore his signature captain's hat. Afternoons ended with Jim's famous barbecue chicken, Cay's beloved potato salad, and a table full of laughter.

Jim and Cay were perfect partners. Cay's outgoing spirit, adventurous heart, and infectious laughter beautifully complemented Jim's quiet strength, thoughtful nature, and steady presence. Their love endured nearly seventy years and became the foundation upon which generations of family were built.

Jim loved music and proudly sang with the Grieg Chorus in Stoughton, often breaking into song in the middle of conversations. He loved puzzles, believing they kept his mind sharp. He was an avid gardener in retirement, earning recognition as Garden of the Year. Television, however, was to be avoided and he was quick to remind his grandchildren to "stay active."

He was immensely proud of his Norwegian heritage, proud of his years at Findorff, and proudest of all of the family he and Cay built together. Though life brought unimaginable heartache, including the loss of three sons, Jim and Cay faced every joy and every sorrow side by side, their love never wavering.

Jim was preceded in death by his bride, Catherine "Cay" (Schilling) Hermanson, and by his sons, Steve, John, and Mike.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Arlene Wiessinger (Bob Marx); granddaughter, Nikki Wiessinger (Mike Pflieger); granddaughter Candace and great-grandchildren Elsa, Audrey, and Graham Stocks. He is also survived by cherished friends who became family: Chris Norsetter (Dave), Melanie and Todd Ebbert, “Little Dave” Crass (Jessica), Becky Kay (Josh), Jakob (Milann) Ebbert and Caleb Ebbert and many extended family members, neighbors, and friends whose lives were enriched by Jim and Cay's kindness and generosity.

Jim and Cay's dream of creating a family became a reality. From humble beginnings, they built a life filled with love, laughter, faith, friendship, and purpose—a legacy that lives on in every generation that follows.

As the family cleared Jim's puzzle table, they discovered a small Post-it note. Written in his familiar handwriting were four rules:

"Five Simple Rules for Happiness: Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less." - Jim H.

There was no fifth rule.

Perhaps Jim and Cay spent their lives showing us what it was.