James R. Gellerman
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jim Gellerman, a longtime Menomonie resident, at the age of 89, on January 24, 2025, at The Neighbors of Dunn County.
Jim was born on March 23, 1935, in St. Paul, MN, and graduated from Central High School in 1953. He was the eleventh of eleven children, born to Raymond and Winifred (McHugh) Gellerman. On August 29, 1959, Jim married Janeene Ann Mahoney at Sacred Heart Church in Belle Plaine, MN.
Jim was a beloved father, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his passion for all sports, his dedication as a coach who organized youth league football, as well as officiating a variety of sports. Jim had a great sense of humor and found joy in performing with the Menomonie Theater Guild. His warmth, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. He was deeply committed to community service; mentoring elementary students in math and reading skills, supporting Veterans for Peace, standing in solidarity with Women in Black, and participating in local politics.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Winifred Gellerman; ten siblings and nine of their spouses.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janeene; children, Chris (Susan) Geller, Greg (Tracy), Annette, and Jennifer (Jeff) Berg. He was a proud Grampie to all of his grandchildren; Gretchen, Grace, Peter, Amy, and Genevieve. Jim is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Janet Oster and Jan Gellerman, as well as more than 50 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his good friend, Larry Laird, and all of his coffee buddies.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, February 13th at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am and lunch to follow in the church hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Bridge to Hope https://www.thebridgetohope.org/ or Stepping Stones of Dunn County https://www.steppingstonesdc.org/
The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the compassionate and attentive care provided by the Mayo Red Cedar Cancer Center, East Brook Lodge at The Neighbors of Dunn County, and St. Croix Hospice, who worked in partnership to care for Jim. Additionally they also wish to express their deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Cedar, Menomonie, and Northland in Barron.
“This was a real nice clambake.” – Jim