Gretchen A. Duerk, 77, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 at The Lutheran Home in Napoleon, Ohio.  
  
She was born on March 12, 1939 to Richard  "Pete" and Irene (Hoover) Duerk in Defiance. Gretchen earned her Bachelor's Degree from Defiance College. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, and was active in the Ladies Aide. Gretchen was a teacher for 35 years, teaching for five years in Mentor, Ohio, and for 30 years with Defiance City Schools, retiring in 1996. She was a member of ADK Teacher's Sorority, and the Retired Teacher's Association.  Gretchen loved cats, spending time with her family, collecting antiques and visiting The Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Gretchen is survived by her sisters, Karen (Jeff) Rahmel of Napoleon, Ohio, Tina (Dean) Knoff of Coshocton, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Mary B. Lorenz.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2017  at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance and one hour prior to the funeral service at St. John Lutheran Church.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 24, 2017  at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Donald Luhring officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, or CHP Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.