Joseph Gerhardstein Obituary

Joseph L. Gerhardstein Jr.

Sep 14, 1944 - May 24, 2024

Sandusky

Joseph Leo "Joe" Gerhardstein Jr., 79, was peacefully called home to Heaven on Friday, May 24, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior after lengthy complications from a stroke and brain injury.

Joe was born Sept. 14, 1944, in Sandusky, to Joseph Leo Sr. and Margaret (Albert) Gerhardstein. Shortly after graduating from St. Mary Central Catholic, Joe enlisted in U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era from 1965-1969. He flew reconnaissance missions with the VQ-2 squadron based at Rota, Spain as an Aviation Electronics Tech Radar operator. Joe was held in high regards by his fellow squadron members, one of which wrote these words about him, "Joe will always be my very best friend. Oh, the life we lived together! VQ-2, only a couple of years. But I knew Joe like few did. Quiet Joe! But, when it's life on the edge, you trust! Period! As your life is in their hands. Think about that! Absolute trust! Joe G. He walked tall and never wavered! Miss and love the boy." Joe's many adventurous military stories influenced his son, Jeremiah Dawson, to join U.S. Air Force which brought much pride to Joe.

After his military discharge, Joe returned to his job at Ford Motor Company in Sandusky. During his career as a quality engineer at Ford, Joe continued his education receiving a BS in business administration degree from Heidelberg College in Tiffin and a MBA degree from Case Western University. After 35 years, Joe retired from Ford in 1999. He then took on his "fun" jobs as a realtor, then tax preparer, and grounds maintenance at Mills Creek Golf Course.

Joe will be lovingly remembered and tremendously missed by his wife of 34 years and love of his life, Michelle (Border-Dawson) who snow skied into his heart while racing each other during a 1989 Sandusky Ski Club trip where they met and then married later that year in August.

Also left to cherish Joe's memory are his son, Jeremiah Dawson (Ashley Jordan) of Sylvania; grandchildren, Ella Joy Dawson, Emily Nicole Baron, and Christian Adamski; sisters, Rosanne (Michael) Gentry of Sandusky, Mary Beth (Tim) Belak of Bay View, and Lisa (Marty) Sennish of Huron; brother, Leo (Becky) Gerhardstein of Sandusky; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends who all loved Joe so very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Gerhardstein; and in-laws, Nevin and Ardinell Border.

Joe grew up as a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Later in life, he became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was currently a member of New Life Church. He was a very spiritual man which grew even deeper during his Emmaus Walk retreat after which he helped others with their spiritual journey as part of the Emmaus team. He had a love of music and taught himself how to play the harmonica while in the military. He also played the guitar. Music was also in his feet as he was a ballroom dancer with wife, Michelle. Joe loved everything about the outdoors and nature. He thoroughly enjoyed backpacking (which transitioned into RV camping), hiking, skiing, and gardening. He especially loved being on a golf course with son, Jeremiah, and fishing with granddaughter, Ella. Joe also loved animals and had many pets during his marriage to Michelle. His cat, Chance, misses his Joe. Joe was an Ohio sports guy, cheering on Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians (Guardians) and of course, The Ohio State Buckeyes. He enjoyed cooking and treating others to his culinary delights. Joe loved to travel with Michelle, especially on cruises, but also to many places in the world to visit their military son, Jeremiah. So many people describe Joe as a kind, gentle, trustworthy, and selfless man who treated everyone with respect. His compassion for others, especially children, drew them to him and he to them. Joe was a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and lovingly accepted Brenden Williams to be his little brother whom he was very proud of. Their relationship didn't end when Brenden grew out of the organization, but continued long into adulthood.

A huge heartfelt thank you goes out to therapists Sara, Michelle, Erika, and Haleigh who were more than just therapists to Joe. They were friends. Also, very deep gratitude goes out to the Memory Care unit team at Ohio Veterans Home of Sandusky for all the compassionate love and extraordinary care given to Joe.

Joe's celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, until the time of service at 11 a.m. at New Life Church, 4013 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Burial will be at Sand Ridge Cemetery in Bascom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joe's name to Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, Ohio, 44824, Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or New Life Church, 4013 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust Joseph Leo Gerhardstein. Welcome him into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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