James Thomas Gerten

James Thomas “Skip” Gerten passed away on July 7, 2014, shortly after relocating from Fresno, CA to Virginia Beach, VA. In his final days, Skip chose to be even closer to his son, Matt, a member of the U.S. Military. A memorial service is planned for August 1, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Park, located at 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Skip was born in Campbell, NB on Feburary 14, 1948. He was the youngest of nine children born to Virgil and Ramona Gerten. He was preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers Lloyd and Dale; and by his beloved wife, Marie “Mimi” (Leiva) Gerten. Skip is survived by six siblings: Richard Gerten (Nancy) of Fallon, NV; Joan VanBoening (Robert) of Derby, KS; Delores Meyer (Gerhardt) of Campbell, NE; Robert Gerten (Kathryn) of Burwell, NE; Mary Ann Gerten of Kearney, NE and Judi Masters (Terry) of Joliet, IL; by literally scores of loving nieces, nephews and cousins; and by his only child and best friend, Matthew R. Gerten of Virginia Beach, VA. After graduating from High School in Bladen, NE, Skip joined the U.S. military. Before his retirement on February 20th 2004, he served five years in the U.S. Navy and 27 years in the Air Force National Guard. Privately—among his family and closest friends—Skip was known as a devoted father, husband and uncle. To many adoring nieces and nephews he was known as “Uncle Skippy”. Publicly, Skip was known to be an avid golfer, a proficient gardener and a lover of good beer. Most importantly, Skip loved life as he loved his family, and was loved by his family. He will be missed. The family requests that remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society.