Wayne Gerber

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Wayne Phillip Gerber, age 91. Surrounded by his loved ones. He was a resident of Orchard Grove Assisted Living.

Wayne was born on May 17, 1934, in Bellevue, OH, the son of the late Joseph and Lena (Meyer) Gerber.

Wayne was a 1953 graduate of Thompson High School. His career led him to becoming an accomplished spot welder. Retired after 37 years from Johnson Furnace, Magic Chef, and Armstrong. Wayne successfully started his own roofing business working alongside his sons.

He married the love of his life, Marlene (Cleveland) Gerber. They shared 50 years with love, partnership, and devotion. Taking trips to the Amish country, square and ballroom dancing, family celebrations, and gatherings with friends meant the most to them.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Lena; wife, Marlene; oldest son, Lewis Gerber; and siblings, Donald Gerber, Charles Gerber, Mary Ellen Cleary, Paul Gerber, and Irvin Gerber.

Left to cherish Wayne’s memory are his siblings, Marvin Gerber, Yvonne Depinet; seven children, Denise (Lewis) Gerber of Bellevue, OH, Melinda (Robin) Young of Clyde, OH, Philip (Denise) Gerber of Bellevue, OH, Deborah (Dennis) Shock of Clyde, OH, Denise (David) Swartzmiller of Attica, OH, Brenda (Steven) Carbary of Bellevue, OH, Wayne Jr (Deanna) Gerber of Oak Harbor, OH; 17 grandchildren; Joseph Gerber, Gregory Waugh, Duane Shock, Gary Gerber, Kristy Summers, Dustin Shock, Steven B, Carbary, Eric Gerber, Andrew Gerber, Ryan Swartzmiller, Michael Gerber, Nicole Brooks, Shannon Raider, Tyler Swartzmiller, Cory Swartzmiller, Erin Sachs, Matthew Gerber; and 22 great grandchildren, Chase Waugh, Paige Summers, Gabriella Gerber, Kaylyn Shock, Ella Swartzmiller, Trinity Carbary, Matthew Schaffer, Bailey Carbary, Dalton Shock, Kayli Schaffer, Erin Swartzmiller, Leighann Schaffer, Gracie Gerber, Aiden Schaffer, Cara Walsh, Cayden Gerber, Gavin Gerber, Evan Swartzmiller, Morgan Gerber, Carson Gerber, Leah Shock and Charlotte Sachs.

Wayne divided his time between his faith, family, and community. He was on St. Michael’s Parish Council. Volunteering for Church festivals and dinners. St. Michael’s Scout Master and was a member of Bellevue Fraternal Order of the Eagles volunteering his time for fishing rodeos and steak dinners.

His interests included spring mushroom gathering and with his children. Fall hunting with family and friends. Playing countless card games. Day trips with his daughters. Attending ball games and watching grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sports events and recitals. 

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 12 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Foos & Foos Funeral Service,151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue where the Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will begin on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Gaspar del Bufalo, 16209 CR 46, Bellevue.  Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Michael’s Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.