Kathleen A. Gerken

Kathleen A. Gerken, age 85, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Trustwell Living at Kingsbury Place in Defiance, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. Kathleen was born on July 17, 1940, in Freedom Township, Ohio, to the late Fred and Frieda (Bostelman) Damman. On May 27, 1961, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Gerken, at Hope Lutheran Church in Hamler, Ohio. Together they shared over 64 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Affectionately known as “Kae,” she was a graduate of Ridgeville High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Defiance College and later achieved her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Kae devoted her life to education and had a true gift for teaching. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in Florida schools and then became the kindergarten teacher at C.D. Brillhart Elementary School. Over the course of her 31-year teaching career, Kae touched countless young lives and retired in 2003. She took great joy in running into former students, many of whom fondly remembered her as their favorite teacher. A woman of deep faith, Kae was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Okolona. She served her church through the choir, Altar Guild, Project Noel, and her faith guided her daily life as she remained devoted to prayer. During the winter months spent in Florida, Ken and Kae were active members of the Spanish Main Mariners Social and Charity Club. They cherished the friendships they formed and always looked forward to the many social gatherings and events. Kae will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Kenneth Gerken; her children, Michael (Jennifer) Gerken, Julie (James) Miller, and Valerie (Jarrod) Beard; her grandchildren, Ashley (Matthew) Ward, Cody Gerken, Daniel (Claire) Gerken, Bryce (Elizabeth) Baden, and Blake (Ann) Baden; and her great-grandchildren, Kayson and Meadow Baden. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Franklin, Henry, Victor, Walter, Arnold, and John Damman; and her sisters, Luella Beck and Pauline Gerken. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Okolona, Ohio. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home in Napoleon, and again on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Elara Caring Hospice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.rodenbergergray.com

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Kathleen A. Gerken

July 17, 1940 - January 5, 2026