Gerhard Grolla

Gerhard "Otto" Grolla, 74, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, December 23, 2003 in Mill Manor Nursing Home, Vermilion due to complications with diabetes. He was born on December 31, 1928 in Osterode, Germany and moved to the Vermilon area in 1956 from Germany. He worked as a tool & die maker for Ford Motor Company in Lorain for 20 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of Vermilion Evangelical and Reformed Church, enjoyed building model airplanes, repairing Cuckoo clocks, gardening and walking the dogs. Survivors include his wife, Elsa Grolla (nee Dauber); children: Richard and Jane Eichler of Lorain, and Rick and Connie Sklarek of Amherst; grandchild, Jamie Sklarek of Amherst; sister, Emma Heinich of Germany. Preceding him in death were his parents, Johann and Elise (nee Schultz) Grolla, and 4 brothers, Walter, Reinard, George and Herbert Grolla and a sister Greta Klaudat. Friends may call Friday, December 26, 2003 from 4 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. The Reverend Doug Yost, pastor of Vermilion E & R Church will officiate. Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.