Gerald H. Rife

Gerald H. Rife, 91, of Oak Harbor, OH, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 3, 2018, at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, OH. He was born on February 26, 1927, in rural Oak Harbor to Ferdinand and Minnie (Butzin) Rife. On March 1, 1945, in Martin, OH, he married Betty J. Blausey, the love of his life; she preceded him in death on March 21, 2012. Gerald worked as a pipe fitter for Libbey Owens Ford in Rossford, OH, for 38 years, retiring in 1985. He served his country in the U.S. Army in the European theater in Germany and France during World War II. Gerald was an active lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Martin, OH, serving on various committees. He was also a member of the Oak Harbor V.F.W. Post #8732. He enjoyed camping, gardening, woodworking, tending to his yard, and traveling. He loved his family dearly and brought them much happiness. When spending time with him, one was certain to experience much laughter and joy. Gerald is survived by daughters, Diane (Robert) Verb of Graytown and Nancy Floriana of Millbury, son, Gerry (Ellean) Rife of Apex, NC, nine grandchildren, Michelle (Michael) Hall, Melissa (Mike) Kelly, Robert (Melissa) Verb, Monica (George) Hansen, Betsy Verb, Melody (John) Hofbauer, Jennifer (Andrew) Karenz, Jonathan and Isaiah Rife, and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Wilfred Rife, sisters, Grace Barnes, Irene Baumert, and Alice Hansen, and his son-in-law, Ronald Floriana, who passed away the day before on April 2, 2018. Visitation for Gerald will be from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Oak Harbor. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 9, 2018, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Martin with interment to follow in Elliston Cemetery, Graytown with military graveside services conducted. Memorial contributions in memory of Gerald may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or JDRF.