Donald A. Gerdeman

Donald A. Gerdeman, 91, of Delphos, passed away at 10:21 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s. Donald was born September 15, 1929, in Delphos, OH, to Alfred and Clara (Reindel) Gerdeman. They both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Ruth Becker; she preceded him in death on April 9, 1959. He was then united in marriage to Cecila Droesch; she preceded him in death on May 26, 2010.

Donald is survived by daughters, Pamela (Steve) Jarrett of Grove City and Kimberly Ann Gerdeman of Godley, TX; brother, Herbert Gerdeman of Delphos; sister, Lois Jean (Ken) Blankemeyer of Delphos; two grandchildren, Zachary (Elizabeth) Jarrett and Alexandra Jarrett; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Gerdeman.

Donald was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Ida Mae Gerdeman, Irvin (Carlene) Gerdeman, Richard Gerdeman, and Clara Ann Gerdeman.

Donald was a graduate of Delphos St. John’s, Class of 1947. He served in the United States Army for two years, serving in Korea for 20 months. He was a lifetime member of the Delphos VFW Post #3035, serving on the Veteran’s Council, was Co-Chair of the Delphos Veteran’s Park and performing Military Funeral Rites for over 30 years. He was also a very active member, in his earlier years, in the Knights of Columbus Council 1362 and was past Grand Knight. Donald was a machinist at Ford for 31 years. Donald was an avid gardener and in his spare time enjoyed fishing and traveling. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He worked the Delphos St. John Festival for 73 years and only missed the two years that he was abroad serving his country. He also served on many councils and boards for Delphos St. John’s.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos, OH. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. Military Grave Rites will be performed by the Delphos Veteran’s Council. Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 2021, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 6: 15 p.m. and Wake Service at 6:30 p.m. at Harter & Schier Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Delphos St. John’s Parish Foundation.