Robert V. Gerken

Robert V. Gerken September 21, 1955-February 8, 2014 Robert Victor Gerken, 58, of Hamler, Ohio died unexpectedly on Saturday night, February 8, 2014 at the Henry County Hospital, Napoleon, Ohio. He was born September 21, 1955 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Victor and Waneta (Burner) Gerken. On September 28, 1974 he married Barbara Bishop at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler. Bob was a 1973 Patrick Henry High School graduate. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics Degree from Bowling Green State University in 1997. Bob was an electrician with Local 8 IBEW for 35 years, currently working for Lake Erie Electric. He was a supervisor on countless projects, and was particularly proud of the Wolfe Center for the Arts and Sebo Athletic Center on the BGSU Campus. He was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler where he was a deacon, trustee and high school Sunday school teacher. He was the 1999 Hamler Summerfest President. Bob will be remembered for his constant friendliness. His positive attitude and happy demeanor led to a constant desire to give of his time and share in conversations with family, friends and even strangers. He enjoyed sports, particularly the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; father, Victor; children, Brooke (Tommy) Vance; Kris (Shanna) Gerken; Kurt Gerken; grandchildren, Tommy "LT" Vance, McKenzie Vance, Kaleb Gerken, Skylar Gerken, Klayson Gerken; sister, Vickie (Frank) Dengg; brother, Jeff (Stephanie) Gerken; stepmother, Wilma Gerken; brother-in-law, Mathew Bishop; sisters-in-law, Colleen (Tim) Phillips; Bonnie (Robert) Blake, special nieces and nephews and an endless amount of friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Waneta Gerken; grandparents, Alfred & Meta Gerken; Pearl Burner; and his parent-in-laws, Billy & Matilda Bishop. Services are 11:00 a.m., Friday at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hamler with Rev. Tamara Wood officiating. Interment will follow in Marion Township Cemetery, Hamler. Visitation is 2-8 p.m., Thursday at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and 10-11 a.m., Friday at the church. The family suggests memorials to St. Stephen Building Fund or Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Robert V. Gerken

September 21, 1955 - February 8, 2014