Robert W. Gerken

Robert W. Gerken, 80, of Delta passed away unexpectedly on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, at his second home in Mesa, Ariz. He was born in Wauseon on April 10, 1937, to the late August and Emilie (Plassman) Gerken. Bob married Linda (Gorsuch) Gerken on Sept. 20, 1985, and she survives.

He was a 1955 graduate of Malinta High School. Bob was a veteran who served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a Fulton County sheriff's deputy and in the banking industry for several years. He later became treasurer of Pike-Delta-York schools, and retired as treasurer of Swanton Local Schools. In his earlier years, he was an avid softball player and a very dedicated golfer. Bob was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan and enjoyed watching all sports. He had a passion for music. Bob loved singing in the church choirs, and was a member of Delta United Methodist Church and the Sunland Village East Chapel in Mesa. He especially enjoyed Thursday night karaoke out West during his retirement years.

Bob is also survived by his children, Jill (Bobby) Olashuk, Michelle (Dave) Harman, Ann (Jeff) Campbell, Amy (James Whitehead) Gerken, Kay (Jeff) Ziegler, and Todd (Beckey Schooler) Yoder; brother, Ron (Kay) Gerken; sister, Lou Ann Harris; 14 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends who will miss him dearly.

He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Jodi (Mark) Wilhelm; twin brother, Richard Gerken; brother, Vernon (Joann) Gerken; and sister, Loretta (Marv) Imbrock.

Bob was a very kind man with an unforgettable smile and an amazing sense of humor. He had a gift to converse with anyone that he would encounter. He would want everyone to know, "This is not goodbye…it's be strong and carry on until we meet again."

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Delta United Methodist Church, 101 Northwood Drive, with Pastor Teresa Wenrick officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta.

Friends will be received 2-8 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, at Barnes Funeral Chapel in Delta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to Delta United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9908 in Bob's memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.