Gerald  "Gary" Gerschutz, 65, of Holgate, Ohio,  passed away on  Friday, September 29, 2017 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born on January 15, 1952 to Nicholas and Marcella (Rozevink) Gerschutz in Napoleon, Ohio.  On June 30, 1973 he married Crystal (Fey) Gerschutz, who resides in Holgate.  Gary was a 1970 graduate of Holgate High School. He worked in maintenance, was a Master Electrician and worked for GM. LDM, Napco Plastics, German Village, and Campbell's Soup Company.

Gary was a member of Ohio Archaeological Society and the NRA.  Gary was known as "Gary Crocker" for his ability to bake delicious pies. He grew his own vegetables for canning, and homemade salsa for everyone to enjoy.  He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved fishing, hunting, finding mushrooms and Indian artifacts.

Gary will be greatly missed by his loving spouse of 44 years, Crystal Gerschutz, daughter, Stephanie (Joel) Douglass of Centerville, OH, and son, Dustin Gerschutz of Holgate, OH, Pappy to Pierce, Alexandra and Kensington, brother to sisters, Gloria Brown of Holgate, OH,  Deb (Ken) Ott of Defiance, Dianne (Bruce) Hefflinger of Defiance, and Pam Shelton of Kingsport, TN, and brother, Brian (Jamie) Gerschutz of Oakwood, OH, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and mother-in-law Beulah Bryant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patricia (Eugene) Niese and Cheryl (Dave) Alvord, brother Kenneth Gerschutz, niece, Kiera Duncan and nephew, Trevor Addington.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday,  October 5, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 6,  2017 at  St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance, with Fr. John Stites officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the grandchildren, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.