Ronald C. Gerken

Ronald C. Gerken, 69 of Vermilion, died Saturday, May 10, 2008 at home following a three month battle with cancer. He was born July 3, 1938 in Whipple, Ohio and has lived in Vermilion since 1963, moving from Amherst. He was a United States Army Veteran. Ron worked in management for the Ford Motor Company in Lorain for 30 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and one of the first life members of Amvets Post #22, both of Vermilion. He was also a 20 year member of the Country Sweet Things Band. He will also be remembered for his volunteer work with Vermilion in Bloom and clean up projects at Sherod Park. Ron enjoyed vacationing to the oceanside in Florida, fishing, hunting and working on his cars and yard. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara (nee Spindler) Gerken; sons, Steven (Vicky) of Springfield, Michael (Valerie) of Lorain and James (Melanie) of Litchfield; 9 grandchildren; sister, Shelba Jean Arnold of Waterford. He was preceded-in-death by his parents, Howard and Gertrude (nee Handschumasher) Gerken and a sister, Ruth Lattimer. Friends may call on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, where services will be on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:00am. The Reverend Jim Holmer, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by the Vermilion Veteran's Council will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Hospice of St. Joseph, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035-1450 or the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division, 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.