Gerken Pauline

Pauline Emma (Damman) Gerken, 86, of Defiance, OH passed on to her heavenly reward on January 26, 2011 at the home of her daughter. She was born on January 26, 1925 in Henry County, to Fred and Freida (Bostelman) Damman. She grew up in Freedom Township and attended St John's Lutheran Church. In December 1947, Pauline married Wilbert Kruse of Hamler, Oh. He preceded her in death. Pauline was a dedicated mother and teacher. In addition to showing her children unconditional love, she also shared this love with her 1st graders at Holgate School. She was blessed with the ability to transform her 1st graders into affluent readers and instill an appreciation for learning. She used innovative techniques to encourage and inspire her 1st graders. She also used her teaching ability to share her faith at Hope Lutheran Church in Hamler, where she taught Sunday School and catechism. Despite the hardships that she experienced throughout her life, she maintained an incredible sense of humor and a very generous heart, all framed by an endearing smile. Pauline is survived by her husband Mylo, children; Dan (Dinah) Kruse of Hamler, Dr. Roger (Patricia) Kruse of Perrysburg, MiChelle (Craig) Parsons of Liberty Center, stepchildren; Michael (Darla) Gerken of Defiance, James Gerken of Joplin MO, Pamela (Douglas) Bortz of Perrysburg, Barbara Hohenberger of Toledo, Rex (Mary) Hohenberger of Holgate, Roxanne (Bob) Fabien of Cleveland, Reg (Kathleen) Hohenberger of Perrysburg, 8 grandchildren; Christina, Kylene, Anna, Greg, Chad, Cullen, Alyssa, and Kaiden, 5 great grandchildren, two brothers; Walter (Ruth) Daman of Lafayette, CA, John (Marlene) Damman of Delta and two sisters; Luella (Loren) Beck of Gibsonburg, and Kathleen (Kenneth) Gerken of Napoleon. She was preceded in death by brothers Franklin, Henry, Arnold, and Victor Damman. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance. Entombment will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance. Friends may call on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon and Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. The family suggest memorials to the American Heart Association, St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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Gerken Pauline

January 26, 2011