Sherman James Foertsch

March 22, 1942 - July 2, 2025

Sherman James Foertsch, age 83, passed away Wednesday July 2, 2025, at Ascension Hospice Care into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on March 22, 1942 and was the third of four children born to Sherman and June (nee Hynek) Foertsch.

Jim graduated from William Horlick H.S. Class of 1960 and attended MSOE with an associate degree in Engineering. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Lee Bogus at St. Lucy's Catholic Church on April 7, 1971 and celebrated 54 years of a loving union.

Growing up three blocks from Lake Michigan, Jim was drawn to sailing and at age 14, took on a Junior membership at the Racine Yacht Club. Under the tutelage of many skippers, he honed his craft as crew as well as navigator. Meeting Gary Knop, owner of the Kemosabe and later the Uber Alles, found Sherman involved in long-distance racing, like the Queen's Cup (Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan) where they placed 2nd place in Division 2-10R in 1980. Also, the Hook Race from Racine to Sturgeon Bay, and the Super Mack 640-Mile Race from Detroit, Michigan to Chicago. Jim won Crew of the Year at RYC twice. He was an expert downhill skier, belonging to the Sno-MADS, a Racine Ski Club for many years. Later on, he took up golf and became passionate in that sport, too.

On December 11, 1964, Sherman graduated from the U.S. Army Southeastern Signal School at Fort Gordon, Georgia in the Teletypewriter Equipment Repair Course under the Reserve Enlistment Program. This school is an important contribution to the defense of the U.S. and free world. He also served in the Wisconsin National Guard with an Honorable Discharge.

Throughout the years, his career brought him the many facets dealing with construction where he later worked at UW-Parkside in Facilities, ending up at Potawatomi Casino as Project Manager. There he was responsible for interior as well as the hotel build, and was known as the "pit bull." Knowing all the safety codes, he enforced them rigorously for the betterment of all. Jim was also invited to be a guest at their annual tribal dinner for the outstanding job he did in renovating their offices up north, the only white man to be honored at that time. He retired in 2016 at the age of 74.

Kathy's and Jim's poolside backyard became the hub of the neighborhood. Neighbors, family and friends taught their children how to swim with safety rules strictly adhered to. Joyous laughter and 4th of July parties (Kathy's parents wedding day) were double celebrations. Ashley and Cameron Murdoch, two of their pool swimmers, were also chosen on the Horlick H.S. Swim Team. So many fun-filled times brought the Foertsch's innumerable pleasure as it was a gift to them and all who enjoyed their times at their home. In 2006 their backyard was chosen to be one on the Racine Garden Tour with 760 people visiting, with Jim creating all of the hardscape.

Surviving are his loving wife, Kathy; sister Maryann (Dr. Jim) Hanson; sisters-in-law Charlene Foertsch, Karen Gosewehr, Mary Ellen (Ken) Gardner. Nephews Rick Larsen, Eric (Connie) Gardner. Nieces Rene Stzenhuiser, Claudia Mendoza, Wendy Lyman, Joanne (Mark) Unger, Janice Larsen, Ann Van Kampen, Libby (Oyvind) Wistroms, Katie (Jay) Slipper, Lara (Hank) Ehrsam, Toni (Danny) Flesch), Dana (Renato) Gilberti), Bobi (Dan) Komer. As well as a great many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and June Foertsch; brother Curt Foertsch; sister Donna Van Kampen; nephews David Larsen and Peter Hanson; in-laws Tony and Marge Bogus; brother-in-law Carl Gosewehr.

A heartfelt thank you to dear family, friends and neighbors who have given so generously to us through the years. The family would also like to express profound gratitude to the medical professionals at Ascension Hospital and Hospice Care.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m., with Fr. Craig Richter officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a favorite charity.