Gerald Dankelson Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" K. Dankelson

Aug 23, 1938 - Mar 22, 2026

Norwalk

Gerald K. Dankelson, 87, of Norwalk, passed away early Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, at Admiral's Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center following a lengthy illness.

Jerry was born August 23, 1938, in Sandusky, to the late Kenneth T. and Annette (Sennish) Dankelson. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1956, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Bertsch. Jerry went on to earn his undergraduate degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and later received his master's degree in Engineering from the University of Toledo.

Jerry began his career with General Motors before relocating to Connecticut in 1975 to join FAG Bearings. He served as plant manager there for four years before moving to Joplin, Missouri, where he continued in that role for 18 years. Throughout his career, Jerry and Ruth built a life full of movement and adventure, living between Connecticut and Missouri, and eventually relocating to Canada, where he retired in 1998. They later returned to Norwalk to enjoy their retirement years.

A devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Jerry loved working with his hands, especially woodworking, and was known for crafting beautiful clocks. He enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, and had a well-known love for Toft's ice cream, often jokingly pairing a banana split with a chocolate milkshake. Despite a career that took him many places, Jerry's greatest happiness was found at home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, cherishing the time spent together.

Jerry is survived by his wife 66 years, Ruth A. (Bertsch) Dankelson; four sons, David (Sandy) Dankelson of Aurora, Dale (Marilyn) Dankelson of Norwalk, Dean (Debbie) Dankelson of Carl Junction, Missouri, and Darin (Dede) Dankelson of Chicago, Illinois; 12 grandchildren, Ellie (Zack) Warwar, Annie (Jason) Krakower, Michael Dankelson, Stephanie (Eric) Danner, Shawn Dankelson, Michael and Matthew Dankelson, Joseph (Elena) Dankelson, Katie and Jeffery Dankelson, and Peter and Jacob Dankelson; two great-grandchildren, Kendall and Oakley, and three more on the way; sister, Karen Riedy; nieces, Amy and Andrea; and numerous other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his grandson, Tommy Dankelson, in 2011 and his sister, Crystal Dankelson.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky. Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory in Sandusky is assisting family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Jerry's memory may do so to their local Autism Society, online at https://autismsociety.org/donate/ or Children's Craniofacial Association at CCA Kids, 15851 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 245, Addison, TX 75001, or online at CCAKids.org.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.