Joan Gerken, 85, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at her residence in Defiance, Ohio.
She was born on January 20, 1935 to John and Lena (Kiessling) Nicely in Defiance. On June 14, 1958 she married Henry Gerken, whom survives.
Joan was an elementary teacher for 39 years with 28 years at Noble Township School where she was the founder of Young People's Theatre Guilde, and belonged to the Defiance County Retired Teachers. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School, Yamma Omega Kappa Sorority, and loved traveling with her husband. .
Joan is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Henry D. Gerken of Defiance, her sister, Sally A (Ferrel) Lee, three brothers, Ted (Phyllis) Nicely, Bob (Beverly) Nicely, and Otto (Donna) Nicely, and a sister-in-law, Donna Nicely.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lena Nicely, and four brothers, David (Betty) Miler, Sam Nicely, Floyd Nicely, and George Nicely.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 2020, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm at the church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic Guidelines, a mask and social distancing will be required to attend.
Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Heartland Hospice, 28555 Starbright Blvd Suite E, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, or to the church.
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