Robert V. Gerken
September 21, 1955-February 8, 2014
Robert
Victor Gerken, 58, of Hamler, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Saturday
night, February 8, 2014 at the Henry County Hospital, Napoleon, Ohio.
He
was born September 21, 1955 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Victor and Waneta
(Burner) Gerken. On September 28, 1974 he married Barbara Bishop at St.
Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler.
Bob
was a 1973 Patrick Henry High School graduate. He received a Bachelor
of Science in Economics Degree from Bowling Green State University in
1997.
Bob
was an electrician with Local 8 IBEW for 35 years, and currently
working with Lake Erie Electric. He was a supervisor on countless
projects, and was particularly proud of the Wolfe Center for the Arts
and Sebo Athletic Center on the BGSU Campus.
He
was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler, where he was a
deacon, trustee and high school Sunday school teacher. He was the 1999
Hamler Summerfest President.
Bob
will be remembered for his constant friendliness. His positive attitude
and happy demeanor led to a constant desire to give of his time and
share in conversations with family, friends and even strangers. He
enjoyed sports, particularly the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.
He
is survived by his wife, Barbara; father, Victor; children, Brooke
(Tommy) Vance, Kris (Shanna) Gerken, Kurt Gerken; grandchildren, Tommy
"LT" Vance, McKenzie Vance, Kaleb Gerken, Skylar Gerken, Klayson Gerken;
sister, Vickie (Frank) Dengg; brother, Jeff (Stephanie) Gerken;
stepmother, Wilma Gerken; brother-in-law, Mathew Bishop; sisters-in-law,
Colleen (Tim) Phillips, Bonnie (Robert) Blake; special nieces and
nephews and an endless amount of friends.
He
was preceded in death by his mother, Waneta Gerken; grandparents,
Alfred and Meta Gerken, Pearl Burner; and his parents-in-law, Billy and
Matilda Bishop.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler, with Rev. Tamara Wood officiating.
Interment will follow in Marion Township Cemetery, Hamler.
Visitation is 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the
church.
The family suggests memorials to St. Stephen Building Fund or donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.
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