Raymond Gerber
Raymond D. Gerber, 84, of Strasburg, died April 18, 2011, at Park Village Health Care Center, following a brief illness.
Born April 12, 1927, in Canton, Ray was the son of the late Dwight and Audrey Gerber. He was a member of Strasburg United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Strasburg Franklin High School class of 1945 and served as both basketball and football manager. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was also a member of the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion at Strasburg, National Rifle Association, and the POA (Ponies of America).
Ray retired in 1989 as a foreman for Ravens Trailer Sales, Strasburg, where he worked for 27 years. He had previously worked for Truck Coal, Garver Bros. Store, Garver Bros. Lumber, and Gibbs Coal Mine, Stone Creek.
Ray had many interests, including gardening and woodworking. He built cradles and rocking donkeys for each of his children’s families and created many other pieces that will provide a lasting memory to his family. Over the years, Ray could also often be found at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school activities.
Ray will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Janice Gerber, whom he married March 6, 1946; children, Don (Fran) Gerber and Londa (Tim) Myers, both of Strasburg, John Gerber of New Philadelphia, and Tim (Belinda) Gerber of Hopedale; grandchildren, Tina (Shawn) Loibl, Adam (Melissa) Myers, Karina (Matt) Robbins, Nate (Jamie) Myers, Christopher (Sarah) Myers, Tricia Gerber, Paula (Richard) Porter, Brandi (Ricky) Tanner, Brandy Ray, Tiffany Champion, Timothy Champion, and Amber Williston; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Johns of Lucerne, Calif., Barbara (Rev. Dean) Roush of Hilliard, and Joan (Dennis) Kroeckel of Tucson, Ariz.; and brother, Russell (Carol) Gerber of Strasburg.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Henrietta “Sue” Gerber.
Services celebrating Ray’s life will be held April 23, at 11 a.m., at Strasburg United Methodist Church, with Pastor Lynda Masters officiating. Cremation has taken place and interment will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg, where the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion will conduct military honors. Friends will be received from 9-11 a.m.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Strasburg, is handling arrangements. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Ray may sign his online guestbook at http://www.tolandherzig.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Strasburg United Methodist Church or the Carpenter’s Cupboard (Food Pantry) of the church, 206 Second St. NW, Strasburg 44680.
Born April 12, 1927, in Canton, Ray was the son of the late Dwight and Audrey Gerber. He was a member of Strasburg United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Strasburg Franklin High School class of 1945 and served as both basketball and football manager. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was also a member of the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion at Strasburg, National Rifle Association, and the POA (Ponies of America).
Ray retired in 1989 as a foreman for Ravens Trailer Sales, Strasburg, where he worked for 27 years. He had previously worked for Truck Coal, Garver Bros. Store, Garver Bros. Lumber, and Gibbs Coal Mine, Stone Creek.
Ray had many interests, including gardening and woodworking. He built cradles and rocking donkeys for each of his children’s families and created many other pieces that will provide a lasting memory to his family. Over the years, Ray could also often be found at his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school activities.
Ray will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Janice Gerber, whom he married March 6, 1946; children, Don (Fran) Gerber and Londa (Tim) Myers, both of Strasburg, John Gerber of New Philadelphia, and Tim (Belinda) Gerber of Hopedale; grandchildren, Tina (Shawn) Loibl, Adam (Melissa) Myers, Karina (Matt) Robbins, Nate (Jamie) Myers, Christopher (Sarah) Myers, Tricia Gerber, Paula (Richard) Porter, Brandi (Ricky) Tanner, Brandy Ray, Tiffany Champion, Timothy Champion, and Amber Williston; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Johns of Lucerne, Calif., Barbara (Rev. Dean) Roush of Hilliard, and Joan (Dennis) Kroeckel of Tucson, Ariz.; and brother, Russell (Carol) Gerber of Strasburg.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Henrietta “Sue” Gerber.
Services celebrating Ray’s life will be held April 23, at 11 a.m., at Strasburg United Methodist Church, with Pastor Lynda Masters officiating. Cremation has taken place and interment will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg, where the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion will conduct military honors. Friends will be received from 9-11 a.m.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Strasburg, is handling arrangements. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Ray may sign his online guestbook at http://www.tolandherzig.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Strasburg United Methodist Church or the Carpenter’s Cupboard (Food Pantry) of the church, 206 Second St. NW, Strasburg 44680.
Published: April 20, 2011
