Jerry Gerstenberger

Jerry Gerstenberger, 83, died Monday morning, September 9, 2024 at his home after a lengthy illness.

He was born November 10, 1940 in Tiffin to the late Joseph and Margaret (Biller) Gerstenberger and raised in Seneca County where he attended school in Republic. After a brief stint in the Navy, Jerry was introduced to Barbara Jean Moore. They hit it off after dinner and a movie on their first date and were married November 7, 1959. They raised their family in Upper Sandusky, Nevada, and Oceola. Jerry worked as a body man for Crow Motor Sales and drove truck before joining Ohio Crane as an electrician. His job took him all over repairing machines and he could fix nearly anything in the shop.

Jerry will be remembered as a family man who helped anyone who needed a hand. Whether family, a neighbor across the street, or a farmer down the road, Jerry’s ability to fix anything he put his mind to will certainly be missed. In his younger days, Jerry’s interest in CB Radio led to his being active in the Civil Defense Club. He climbed a tall pine at his apartment to hang his antenna, earning him the CB handle, “Pine Tree.” Jerry enjoyed riding motorcycles, going to races and demolition derbies, and tinkering around his garage. He was happiest when he was with his family who he shared projects, stories, derbies, and lots of laughter. Even in his decline, seeing his grandchildren and sharing ice cream with them brought a smile to his face.

Jerry is survived by his bride of nearly 65 years, Barbara Gerstenberger; children, Vicki Lynn Gerstenberger Roll (fiancé Brad Brown), Gerald Russell (Tammie) Gerstenberger, Kelly Ann (Jeff) Siegenthaler, and Christopher Michael (Robyn) Gerstenberger; grandchildren, Lynn Light, Sara (Tony) Hill, Kari Angel, Kipp (Raychelle) Gerstenberger, Josh Siegenthaler, Kaleigh (Chris) Tracy, Kirsten Siegenthaler (fiancé Jake Hartman), Kasey (Charles) Rogers, Mia Gerstenberger, Rachel Pschibul, and Renee Pschibul; 31 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; sister, Nancy (Bill) Seifert; brother, Rodney (Diane) Gerstenberger; sister-in-law, Sue Gerstenberger; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Daniel “Boone” Gerstenberger and brother, Thomas Gerstenberger.

The Gerstenberger family will gather privately to celebrate Jerry’s life. Those wishing to donate in memory of Jerry and asked to make them payable to the Alzheimer’s Association and give through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W Warren St, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.