Gerald E. Staiger

Gerald E. Staiger, 76, of Bucyrus, died Friday, February 24, 2012 at Wyandot Memorial Hospital from complications following recent surgery.

He was born May 29, 1935 in Bucyrus to the late Marcus D. and Alice D. (Wentz) Staiger. Jerry was a 1953 graduate of Bucyrus High School; graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and went on to receive his master's degree from Kent State University. He returned to Bucyrus where he worked as the Director of Utilities for the city until retiring after 30 years of employment. Jerry believed in a strong work ethic. Beginning in his teens and continuing, he helped Art Beall on his farm, feeding many animals and working acres of land over the years.

Jerry was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church where he loved helping feed the hungry and working as the cashier at the church's Bratwurst Festival booth. He enjoyed Sunday School and Bible Study classes as this was a time to socialize as well as feed his soul. Jerry was a longtime member of the Bucyrus F.& A.M. 139 and the Bucyrus Shrine Club. He thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the local DeMolay Chapter and Royal Order of the Jesters (clowns), serving as director for 12 years. Jerry had the privilege of traveling all over the world for Shrine conventions and various functions and was gifted enough to teach clown classes at these conventions. He and other "clowns" visited nursing homes, children's hospitals, attended parades and performed at the Columbus Shrine Circus.

While home, he enjoyed planting flowers and collecting coins and stamps. What gave him the most enjoyment was socializing with people through high school get-togethers, visits to Amish country and volunteering at Heartland, where he was the BINGO caller and always enjoyed their annual trip to the Crawford County Fair Senior Day.

He is survived by a brother, George and Maxine Staiger of Columbus; two nieces and a nephew and a local cousin, Linda and Jim Leyda of Bucyrus.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Raechele "Chelly" (Tomlin) Staiger and brother, Edward Staiger.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 27 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 where Masonic Rites will be held that day beginning at 3:45 p.m. A private burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery followed by a public memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Bucyrus UMC, 227 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Bucyrus Shrine Club; F&AM Lodge 139; Bucyrus UMC or HomeCare Matters through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.wisefuneral.com.



Visitation:

Monday, February 27, 2012 4-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Bucyrus United Methodist Church, North Campus, 227 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820