Keith Gerber
Keith Allen Gerber, 74, of Sugarcreek, died May 18, 2011, at University Hospital, Cleveland, where he had been a patient for the past 12 weeks.
Born April 6, 1937, in Walnut Creek, Keith was a son of the late Elbert and Niva Gerber. He began working at the former Alsco, New Philadelphia, in 1956, soon after graduating from high school. He made the move to the new Sugarcreek facility when it opened in early 1957. He started in the position designated common laborer, then moved to the maintenance department. In 1958, he moved into an office position doing inventory control and remained there his entire career, retiring after 43 years of service. He was a member of Shanesville Lutheran Church and served on the Sugarcreek Village Council from 1974 to 1981. He was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge.
Family was very important to Keith’s life. He was an avid fan of all of his grandkid’s sports and a favorite Sunday afternoon consisted of a baseball game and being the number one fan. He was also honored to have an award named after him for the Garaway High School boys golf. He owned and operated the Sugarcreek Trophy Shop since 1978 and when he could get away from the business you could find him at the golf course having an enjoyable game with his partner Stan Gerber playing a friendly match against Ken Lawhun and Atlee Troyer.
Surviving are his wife, Jean Gerber, whom he married July 12, 1958; daughters, Cindy (Rick) Festi and Connie (Ted) Johnson, both of Sugarcreek, and Cathy (Eric) Houze of Strasburg; five grandchildren, Andreina Festi, Nate Festi, Spencer Festi, Ryan Ott, and Brandon Johnson; brothers, Dean (Marlene) Gerber of Sugarcreek, Bill (Carol) Gerber of New Philadelphia, and Terry (Deb) Gerber of Sugarcreek; sister, Peggy (Keith) Immel of New Philadelphia; and brother-in-law, John Allison of Killbuck.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Allison.
Services were held May 21, at Shanesville Lutheran Church, Sugarcreek, with Rev. Ellen Mills officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery, Sugarcreek.
For those unable to attend, visit http://www.smithfuneral.com to share a memory and sign his guest register.
Born April 6, 1937, in Walnut Creek, Keith was a son of the late Elbert and Niva Gerber. He began working at the former Alsco, New Philadelphia, in 1956, soon after graduating from high school. He made the move to the new Sugarcreek facility when it opened in early 1957. He started in the position designated common laborer, then moved to the maintenance department. In 1958, he moved into an office position doing inventory control and remained there his entire career, retiring after 43 years of service. He was a member of Shanesville Lutheran Church and served on the Sugarcreek Village Council from 1974 to 1981. He was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge.
Family was very important to Keith’s life. He was an avid fan of all of his grandkid’s sports and a favorite Sunday afternoon consisted of a baseball game and being the number one fan. He was also honored to have an award named after him for the Garaway High School boys golf. He owned and operated the Sugarcreek Trophy Shop since 1978 and when he could get away from the business you could find him at the golf course having an enjoyable game with his partner Stan Gerber playing a friendly match against Ken Lawhun and Atlee Troyer.
Surviving are his wife, Jean Gerber, whom he married July 12, 1958; daughters, Cindy (Rick) Festi and Connie (Ted) Johnson, both of Sugarcreek, and Cathy (Eric) Houze of Strasburg; five grandchildren, Andreina Festi, Nate Festi, Spencer Festi, Ryan Ott, and Brandon Johnson; brothers, Dean (Marlene) Gerber of Sugarcreek, Bill (Carol) Gerber of New Philadelphia, and Terry (Deb) Gerber of Sugarcreek; sister, Peggy (Keith) Immel of New Philadelphia; and brother-in-law, John Allison of Killbuck.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Allison.
Services were held May 21, at Shanesville Lutheran Church, Sugarcreek, with Rev. Ellen Mills officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery, Sugarcreek.
For those unable to attend, visit http://www.smithfuneral.com to share a memory and sign his guest register.
Published: May 22, 2011
