Veronica M. Gerken, 64, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday morning, December 13, 2018 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on May 21, 1954 to Jay and Mary (Stefanko) Hammon in Defiance. On November 13, 1976 she married Dennis Gerken, who resides in Defiance.

Veronica was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. In her leisure time she enjoyed crafts, sewing, ceramics, reading, shopping, watching movies with her family, and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be truly missed by her family and many good friends. Veronica is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Dennis Gerken of Defiance, daughter, Jennifer (Rick) Holley, son, Matt (Melody) Gerken, grandchildren; Patrick Gerken, Harmony Gerken, Michael Gerken, Logan Gerken, and Mark Holley, sisters, Cathie (Timm) Phillips of Leo, IN, Mary Ann (Nicholas) Steffel of Sherwood, and Marge McCurdy of Defiance, brothers, Chris (Julie) Hammon of Quincy, MI, and Joe (Diane) Hammon of Mark Center, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Christopher Blaize Holley, and her sister, Betty Ann Hammon. Visitation will be held from 2 -8 pm on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 18th at St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial will follow the service at Myers Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.