Gerald J. Laux

Gerald J. Laux, 86, of Sylvania, passed away July 23, 2011 under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio at Kingston Care Center in Sylvania. Jerry was born January 12, 1925 in Toledo to the late Jerome and Myrtle Koepfer Laux. He married Betty Kretin on August 16, 1947 at Gesu Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on May 9, 2009. A sister, Charlotte Nicholson, also preceded him in death. Jerry attended Gesu Catholic School and was a 1943 graduate of Central Catholic High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during battle in Northern France after landing in Normandy shortly after D-Day. He also received the Bronze Star for courage and bravery. Following his military service, Jerry joined his father in the family business at Laux Motor Sales in Sylvania, selling Chrysler and Plymouth vehicles. Laux Motor Sales would also become the first dealer in the area to offer BMW and Subaru. He later started Westpointe Chrysler Plymouth which is the current location of Vin Devers before retiring in 1980. Jerry loved to travel and had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe due to his business alliance with BMW. He enjoyed being outdoors riding his snowmobiles, dune buggies, and mini bikes, and also gardening and swimming at his country home. Jerry survived raising his five daughters but thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him Grandpa and Papa. He was always there to share in the lives of his daughters and their families. A longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania, he was also a member of the Joseph Diehn American Legion Post #468. Jerry is survived by his five daughters, Marlene Damico, Dian Liber, Geraldine Mazur, Vicki Scanlon Ron, and Connie Feldstein Jay; grandchildren, Jason Meyers, Joe Damico, Ashlee Assenmacher Joe; Erich Liber, Brad Liber Katie, Aaron Mazur Katelyn, Nicole Tuck Jeff, Lyndsey Mazur Aaron Croskey, Kelly Ridgway Bob, Sara Scanlon, Ronnie Scanlon Stephanie, Evan and Tenley Feldstein; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ellen Sommers, Leola Wade, Donna Kibbler; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Kingston Care Center for the care and support they provided. Special thanks for the special care that was given by these very special people; Todd, Carolyn, Angela, Desirae, and Geneva. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2-9:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. with a Scripture Service at 7:00pm and an American Legion Service at 7:30PM. Funeral services will begin at 9:30am on Friday at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. There will be a military service at the gravesite. Entombment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.