Kenneth "Ken" Edsall Gernheuser

Kenneth E. Gernheuser “Ken” passed away at home on Feb. 15, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He remained determined, “happy-go-lucky”, optimistic, and full of life as he fought hard for over 20 years. Ken loved his family more than anything and continued to survive and work hard for them every day. Ken, the son of William and Joanne Gernheuser, born in Toledo, OH and raised in Maumee, Ohio graduated from Maumee High School. He earned a degree in business from the University of Toledo, maintaining a 4.0 average. After graduation Ken worked for the Toledo Area Sanitary District Mosquito Control until he launched his own business, RJM Reality. Ken married the love of his life, Marlene, in 1983 and was a loving and dedicated Husband and Father to their four amazing children. His children remember him as a loving and supportive Father who always believed in them and made their life easy as they were growing up. He was involved, and present in their lives and always prioritized his family above all else. He was a true role model who taught them resilience, work ethic, love for the Lord, taste in great music, love for the outdoors and so, so much more. Ken was a true outdoorsman who loved all things nature. He loved to fish, hike and hunt. Ken sincerely loved all animals and would often talk about their place in Heaven. He loved dogs, and his 1 yr. old American Staffordshire, “Koda”. He exercised religiously and taught his children the importance of hard work and the benefit of a strong, disciplined routine. Gardening was also something Ken loved deep to his core, and the peace that it would bring his soul. He was great at it – and would often say it brought him “Closer to the Lord”. Ken’s genuine authenticity, work ethic, his sense of humor, laugh and smile, his confidence and generosity, and his unwavering love, will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and by all who knew him. Ken was preceded in death by his precious son Joey, parents William and Joanne Gernheuser. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Marlene (Kopp), children; Ryan, Jordan, and Amanda, sisters; Julie (Paul) Heinrich and Laurie (Steve) Brubaker, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory Maison-Dardenne, 501 Conant St, Maumee, Ohio, between 9:30-11:30 am on Saturday, February 22nd. A procession to Toledo Memorial Park, Ken’s final resting place, will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Ken’s name be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or The American Cancer Society.