VICTOR CARL GERKEN

Victor C. Gerken, 93, of Deshler, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his family Friday afternoon, May 24, 2024, at Bridge Hospice, Bowling Green, Ohio. He was born July 28, 1930, in Henry County, Ohio, to the late Alfred and Meta (Cohrs) Gerken. 

 On September 25, 1954, he married Waneta Burner. She preceded him in death on July 18, 1970. On October 10, 1975, he married Wilma E. Hastedt, who preceded him in death on September 18, 2014.

Victor was a graduate of Deshler High School (Class of 1949) and the Fort Wayne International Business College (1951).

Victor worked at Sherwin-Williams for 38 years, starting as a maintenance foreman, a position he loved. But after his wife Waneta’s death, he knew he needed to be more available to his young children and chose to step into a new position as an accountant, a role he held until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler, Ohio, having served on church council and as treasurer. Victor proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Deshler American Legion Post 316 and the Deshler Lions Club.

Victor especially loved spending time with his family; he enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, golfing, polkas, a Manhattan at happy hour, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Indians.

He is survived by his children: Jerry Buchenberg, Kenny (Teresa) Buchenberg, Barb Gerken, Vickie (Frank) Dengg, and Jeff (Stephanie) Gerken.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Meta (Cohrs) Gerken; his wives, Waneta Gerken and Wilma Gerken; his son, Robert; and his daughter-in-law, Lisa.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler, Ohio, with Pastor Chris Walter officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler, Ohio.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, Ohio.

Suggested memorials are to Immanuel Lutheran Church and Bridge Hospice. 

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of VICTOR CARL GERKEN, please visit our floral store.