Diann Gerke

Diann Rae Gerke, 77, of Curtice, OH passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Bay Park Community Hospital, Oregon, OH. She was born on July 23, 1944 in Luckey, OH to Raymond Ira and Erma Elvira (Wohltman) Hansen. She graduated from Eastwood High School in 1962 and from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1965. On December 18, 1965, she married Edward C. Gerke in Luckey, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on September 20, 2015. Diann worked as an English teacher for Erie Mason High School, DeVilbiss High School, and Waite High School for over 30 years before retiring. During this time, in 1990, she earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Toledo and had her Thesis published as well. Even though she was only 5’2” tall, she was known for breaking up a few fights in the hallways at school. Diann enjoyed traveling, especially seeing the mountains. She loved Jesus and working to instill faith into her family and others. Her family was her main love in life. She enjoyed going to all her kids and grandkids sporting events. Diann was never one to sit still. She always wanted to be helpful to others. She was a very creative and organized person, who wrote and kept memoirs of her experiences. Diann is survived by her children, Michael (Debra) Gerke and Karen (Scott) Sims; grandchildren, Austin Sims, Haley Gerke, Dillon Sims, and Kendall Gerke; and her sister, Sandra (Ken) DeVerna. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Kathy Schnitker. Visitation for Diann will be Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, OH followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Vriezelaar will officiate. Burial will follow in Allen Township Cemetery, Williston, OH. Memorial contributions in memory of Diann can be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.