Wayne Gerber Obituary

Wayne Gerber

May 17, 1934 - Feb 8, 2026

Bellevue

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Wayne Phillip Gerber, 91, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a resident of Orchard Grove Assisted Living.

Wayne was born May 17, 1934, in Bellevue, the son of Joseph and Lena (Meyer) Gerber.

Wayne was a 1953 graduate of Thompson High School. His career led him to become an accomplished spot welder. Retired after 37 years from Johnson Furnace, Magic Chef, and Armstrong. Wayne successfully started his own roofing business, working alongside his sons.

He married the love of his life, Marlene (Cleveland) Gerber. They shared 50 years with love, partnership, and devotion. Taking trips to Amish country, square and ballroom dancing, family celebrations, and gatherings with friends meant the most to them.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lena; wife, Marlene; oldest son, Lewis Gerber; and siblings, Donald Gerber, Charles Gerber, Mary Ellen Cleary, Paul Gerber, and Irvin Gerber.

Left to cherish Wayne's memory are his siblings, Marvin Gerber and Yvonne Depinet; seven children, Denise (Lewis) Gerber of Bellevue, Melinda (Robin) Young of Clyde, Philip (Denise) Gerber of Bellevue, Deborah (Dennis) Shock of Clyde, Denise (David) Swartzmiller of Attica, Brenda (Steven) Carbary of Bellevue, and Wayne Jr (Deanna) Gerber of Oak Harbor; 17 grandchildren, Joseph Gerber, Gregory Waugh, Duane Shock, Gary Gerber, Kristy Summers, Dustin Shock, Steven B, Carbary, Eric Gerber, Andrew Gerber, Ryan Swartzmiller, Michael Gerber, Nicole Brooks, Shannon Raider, Tyler Swartzmiller, Cory Swartzmiller, Erin Sachs, and Matthew Gerber; and 22 great-grandchildren, Chase Waugh, Paige Summers, Gabriella Gerber, Kaylyn Shock, Ella Swartzmiller, Trinity Carbary, Matthew Schaffer, Bailey Carbary, Dalton Shock, Kayli Schaffer, Erin Swartzmiller, Leighann Schaffer, Gracie Gerber, Aiden Schaffer, Cara Walsh, Cayden Gerber, Gavin Gerber, Evan Swartzmiller, Morgan Gerber, Carson Gerber, Leah Shock and Charlotte Sachs.

Wayne dedicated his time to his faith, family, and community. He served on St. Michael's Parish Council, volunteered at church festivals and dinners, acted as St. Michael's Scout Master, and was a member of the Bellevue Fraternal Order of the Eagles, where he generously contributed to fishing rodeos and steak dinners.

His interests included spring mushroom gathering with his children, fall hunting with family and friends, playing countless card games, enjoying day trips with his daughters, and attending ball games, as well as watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sports events and recitals.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Foos & Foos Funeral Service,151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue, where the Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Gaspar del Bufalo, 16209 CR 46, Bellevue. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Michael's Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.