Herman A. Gerken

Herman A. Gerken, 95, of Defiance, went to His Lord on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, on his wife's birthday.  
  
He was born on a farm in Defiance County on September 28, 1922 to Herman and Wilhelmina (Spodholtz) Gerken. Herman proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 during WWII. On May 3, 1947 he married Betty (Adams) Gerken, who resides in Ayersville.

Herman was an active member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, and VFW #3360. He was a volunteer fireman at the Ayersville Fire Department, and worked at Dinner Bell Foods in Defiance for over 38 years, retiring in 1985. Herman was always a hard worker, and he loved to farm. He enjoyed cutting wood for his wood stove, and above all spending time with his family, who he loved dearly. Herman was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he will be sadly missed by his family and many good friends.  
  
Herman is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty Gerken of Defiance, and their four children; Gail (Paul) Stork, David (Kathy) Gerken, Daniel (Deb) Gerken, and Douglas (Leann) Gerken, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and his cousin, Mylo Gerken.   
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, William, Walter, Richard, Arnold, and Carl Gerken.
  
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am on Monday, April 16th at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Rev. William Stottlemyer officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens, with Military Rites accorded by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, or St. Stephens Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  

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