Wilmer J. Gerber

Wilmer J. Gerber, 95, of Bluffton, and formerly of rural Decatur, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, February 9, 2026, at Christian Care Retirement Community.

Wilmer was born in Adams County on January 29, 1931, the youngest son of Lewis and Julia (Maller) Gerber. He was born on the family farm, where he lived until 2004, when he and his wife Clara moved to Christian Care in Bluffton.

On February 14, 1954, Wilmer married the love of his life, Clara Baumgartner, in Bluffton. They shared nearly 57 years of marriage before Clara passed away on January 2, 2011.

Wilmer was a life-long member of the Apostolic Christian Church. He attended Kirkland High School in Adams County and was a dairy, livestock, and grain farmer for 45 years. After farming, Wilmer worked at Big R in Decatur for several years, followed by seven years at J & R Products in Craigville. At that time, Wilmer became a caregiver for his wife Clara until her passing in 2011.

Survivors include a son, Darryl (Jinny) Gerber of Bluffton; three grandsons, Aaron (Cassie) Gerber, David (Alejandra) Gerber, and Philip (Janean) Gerber; along with eight great-grandchildren, Corrie, Claire, Elliot, Emma, Oliver, Mayve, Emberton, and Madden.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wilmer was preceded in death by three brothers, (infant) Robert, Harry, and Frederick Gerber, along with two sisters, Devona Longenberger and Marie Kipfer.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 2:00 until 7:00 PM, at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton. Services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Apostolic Christian Church East, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Brent Kaehr and John Reinhard will officiate. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Adams County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Care Retirement Community.