Gerry McGinnes

Gary E. “Gerry” McGinnes, age 71, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, December 7, 2021.

Gerry was born on April 13, 1950, to Charles and Julia (Brewer) McGinnes in Keokuk, Iowa. He spent his early years in Hamilton, IL, before his family moved to Scottsdale, AZ, when he was 14 years old. Gerry was working at the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital when he met the love of his life, Susan Scheppe. Gerry and Susan were united in marriage on January 1, 1994, in Tuscon AZ. Together, they raised their four children, Misty, Jenn, Andy, and Katie. In 2000, the family moved to Sheboygan Falls, WI, where they realized their crazy dream of being farmers.

Gerry worked many jobs in the logistics field over his lifetime, but his last and most favorite job was being a school bus driver for Heidenreiter Bus Services.

Gerry was the most friendly and stubborn man that you could ever meet. He always stayed true to his beliefs. His biggest pride in life was being “Papa” to his brood of grandchildren. Gerry was the favorite bus driver to many students and teachers.

Family was very important to Gerry. He was very active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, whether it was teaching them to farm or hunt or help with Boy and Girl Scouts. He loved playing and listening to music. He played guitar and would sing along to everything, especially anything from the 60’s.

Gerry will be forever remembered in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him, including his loving wife, Susan; four children, Misty (Eric) Herren, Jenn (fiancé, Gene Wielgosh)McGinnes, Andy (Michaela) McGinnes, and Katie McGinnes; grandchildren, Ryan, Caleb, Tessa, Nicholas, Jacob, Dominic, Nolan, Charlotte, Callen, Miles, Elliott, and Grayson; sister, Sue Render; sister-in-law, Sally (Dane) Rappolt; brothers-in-law, Bill Scheppe and Dave (Kathy) Scheppe; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Len and Ruby Scheppe; brother-in-law, Mike Scheppe; and his nephew, Lou Render.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Gerry on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Zimmer-Westview Funeral Home at 6:00 with Pastor Tina Kieckhafer officiating. Gerry’s service will be live-streamed and viewable later from his obituary page.

A public visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gerry’s name.

If you would like to leave a message of sympathy for Gerry’s family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.