Donald Gestenslager

Donald L. Gestenslager, 98, formerly of Mansfield and recently residing in Bucyrus, died Sunday evening, April 3, 2011 at Altercare of Bucyrus.

He was born in Bucyrus July 2, 1912 to the late Albert and Carrie (Laughbaum) Gerstenslager. Donald graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1930 and married Ruth Flexser in 1937. They were married 50 years when she preceded him in death in 1987.

Donald served as a medic in the U.S. Army on the New Caledonia islands in the South Pacific during WWII. He worked as an interior decorator having furnished some of the nicer homes in the Mansfield area. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield and enjoyed playing cards and ping pong with family and friends.

Surviving are sisters, Isabelle (Richard) McCormick and Betty Brown of Bucyrus; special niece, Karen Grey of Bucyrus who spent much of her time caring for him during his illness; nephew, Michael (Susan) Stuckman; nieces, Susanna (Harvey) Robbins and Barbara VanScoit; special neighbor and friend, Tom.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Lucille Haffner and Irene Follman.

Friends may call Wednesday, April 6 from 10-11 a.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, St. Rte. 4 south of Chatfield. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kirk Langset officiating and burial will follow in Nazareth Lutheran Cemetery with military rites provided at the graveside. Memorial contributions may be given to Gifts for Yanks through Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus.



Visitation:

10 - 11 a.m. Wed., April 6, 2011

Nazareth Lutheran Church



Service:

11:00 a.m. Wed., April 6, 2011

Nazareth Lutheran Church



Cemetery:

Nazareth Lutheran Church