Morris Richard Gerken

October 25, 1955 - March 1, 2022

Morris Richard Gerken, 66, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior at Vancrest of Holgate on March 1, 2022. He was born October 25, 1955, in Napoleon to Richard W. and Marie A. (Rohrs) Gerken. Morris was baptized November 11, 1955, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and affirmed his baptism through Confirmation on March 22, 1970. He had many challenges throughout his life but met them with a smile. Morris worked alongside his mom and dad on the family farm in Freedom Township where he raised hogs. He especially enjoyed working the fields on his Allis-Chalmers tractor and would frequently drive to Gerald Grain Elevator to get feed or sell grain. Morris enjoyed becoming a part of Hope Services of Henry County in later years where he loved bowling and being a part of the Henry County Special Olympics basketball team. After playing on the team for a while, he decided to try coaching where he always had high expectations of the team. Morris was chosen Senior of the Year in 2016. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was a favorite place to visit; and he was proud of his badge. Morris loved horseback riding, baseball, ice cream and always had a Pepsi in his hand. He was a tried and true fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a dear friend of Angie and Victor Gaucin and the rest of the staff of COREe Residential who provided him with lasting memories of trips to the Daytona 500, New York City and Washington DC. He had amazing care givers who offered their time and energy to help him live life to the fullest. The family will always be grateful to the many individuals who gave so much time to him, and most recently the staff of Vancrest. Morris is survived by his sister, Patricia Basselman of Archbold, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and his many friends who will miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marie, sister Carolyn Pahl, brothers-in-law Jack Pahl and Rudy Basselman; nephews Kenny Pahl, Bob Pahl and Denny Basselman; and great nephews, Andrew Miller, Jeffrey Lyn Pahl Jr., and Clinton Basselman. Friends can visit with family on Friday, March 4, 2022, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Napoleon Twp with an hour of visitation prior to services. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to Henry County Special Olympics, or the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy. Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.