Edward C. Gerke

Edward C. Gerke, 71 of Curtice, Ohio and formerly of Lake Township, Ohio, died Sunday, September 20, 2015 in Mercy-St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, after a two year bout with cancer. Edward was born in New Rochester, Ohio on February 19, 1944 to Paul and Marie (Aufdencamp) Gerke. On December 18, 1965 he married Diann R. Hansen in Luckey, Ohio, and she survives. Edward was a 5th and 6th grade teacher for over 32 years at the Manor Elementary School of the Monroe Public School System, Monroe, MI, retiring in 2000. He had attended Heritage Christian Church in Oregon, Ohio and most recently was attending MainStreet Church in Walbridge, Ohio. Edward was a man who enjoyed being involved in the life of the community, and related well to others. He truly enjoyed those around him no matter where he went. He was supportive of many causes, especially the plight of the Jewish population in Israel, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Edward is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Diann, children, Michael (Debra) Gerke, and Karen (Scott) Sims, grandchildren, Austin & Dillon Sims, Haley & Kendall Gerke, siblings, Donald (Sue) Gerke, Fred (Norma) Gerke, Tom Gerke, Ruth Gerke, and Ken (Linda) Gerke. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 25, 2015 in Heritage Christian Church, 1640 S. Coy Rd., Oregon, Ohio. Interment will follow in the Allen Township Cemetery, Williston, Ohio. Visitation will be from 2-8 PM, Thursday, September 24, 2015 in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St. Genoa, OH 43430. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Mercy-St. Charles Cancer Center, 2600 Navarre Ave., Oregon, OH 43616, Allen-Clay Joint Fire District, Station #1, P.O. Box 154, Williston, OH 43468, or International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105.