Obituaries & Guestbook

Janet “Lee” Gerhartz, age 83 of Sheboygan passed away Saturday September 26, 2026. Janet was born September 2, 1943, in Sheboygan to the late Urban and Marie (Olson) Fritsch. She was a 1961 graduate of North High School. Janet was united in marriage to Dennis Gerhartz on June 10, 1967, at St. Dominic Catholic Church; he preceded her in death on June 14, 2009.
Janet was employed by American Excelsior, Sears (29 yrs.) and was a substitute educational assistant with the Sheboygan Area School District (20 yrs). She was the treasurer for the Catholic Women’s Charity Club, enjoyed exercise classes, playing dominos, cards, water aerobics, traveling, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and was a proud member of the “10th Street Gang”. Janet, with her husband Dennis, loved to sail their boat (the Janet Lee II) to Door County as well as other ports on Lake Michigan. More than anything Janet loved spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include her sister Sally (Joe) Peikert of Menomonee Falls, brother Michael (Cheryl) Fritsch of Sheboygan, nieces and nephews Joe W. (Kim) Peikert, Patty Lee (Casey) Newman, Kristen (Don) Olson, Emily (Jason) Dulmes, great-nieces and great-nephews Angie Lee, Charlie, Bailey, Joey, Nick, Brad, Jenna Lee, Daylen, Mya and great great-nieces Esme’ and Ella.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Bonnie and brothers Jerry and Richard.
Family and friends may gather at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Paul Fliss will officiate. Burial will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Peter Claver Catholic Church or the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Janet’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and to Dr. Bettag and his staff.