Sherryl L. Gingerich

Sherryl L. Gingerich, 77 of Onalaska, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse; surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 22, 1945, in Los Angeles, CA, she was the daughter of Arthur and Faun (Passow) Adair.  Her early years were spent in Oxnard, CA and she graduated from Port Hueneme High School. She then earned her associate degree from Ventura College in Ventura CA. It was there that she met her future husband, William (Bill) Gingerich. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in education from California State – Northridge; and began her teaching career in Oxnard, CA.

Sherryl married Bill on March 23, 1968, at Faith Lutheran Church in Camarillo, CA. When Bill was drafted, she continued teaching at the military base in Fort Huachuca, AZ

They then moved to Corvallis, OR and that is where two became four. Sherryl and Bill welcomed their two children, Lara and Thomas.  In 1979 the family moved to the La Crosse area and settled in Onalaska. She immediately took to midwestern culture, centered around family and community. Those principles stayed with her the rest of her life. After settling in WI, she dedicated her time to raising her children until they reached school age, before returning to her professional career.  She worked at Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, Riverland Girl Scout Council and Congregational Preschool before resuming her teaching career.  She earned her master’s degree in education from UW-LaCrosse and finished her teaching career at Black River Falls High School as a special education teacher.

Sherryl enjoyed many things throughout her life including spending time with family, quilting, sewing, baking, and candy making. Her love of anything chocolate was renowned. She was famous within her family for her homemade cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry jams, crafted from the fruits of her backyard garden. She also loved to travel, visiting many countries with Bill. She loved history, genealogy and was a voracious reader, often sharing her findings with family and friends as she finished them. She collected many dear friends during her lifetime, and she loved keeping in touch with them all. She and Bill were longtime members of Holmen Lutheran Church.

In addition to Bill, her husband of 55 years, she is survived by her two children; Lara (Aarin) Duwe of Sun Prairie, WI and Thomas (Kathryn Turner) Gingerich of Nashville, TN; a sister-in-law, Patricia Adair of Oxnard, CA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Christine Gingerich of Camarillo, CA, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John and Scott Adair.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris Street, Holmen with Pastor Matt Toso officiating. A time for sharing and lunch will follow immediately after the service. A private family burial will be held in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LaCrosse County Historical Society or Holmen Lutheran Church.