John F. Gerken

John Frederick Gerken, the second child of John and Caroline (Meyer) Gerken was born in Gerald, Ohio, on March 25, 1906. He was educated in the parochial schools and graduated from the International Business School in Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1928.

On April 21, 1928, he married Ruth Kline, the daughter of John and Emma (Eberle) Kline. To this union were born five children: Kenneth, Jeannette, Rosella, Howard, and Marlene. After the birth of a stillborn daughter, Ruth passed away.

John F. and Ada Gerken

Mr. Gerken met a charming widow, Ada Barlow Conway. Ada had onedaughter Jane. Mr. Gerken and Ada were married on April 10, 1943. To this union one daughter Karen was born on March 12, 1946. Karen is a graduate of Ridgeville High School and Bowling Green State University. She married Donald Maassell on Feb. 3, 1968. Don is a graduate of Liberty Center High School and Ohio State University. Don served his country in the Vietnam War. They are the parents of three children: Cathy, Sarah, and Jason. They are presently living in Lexington, Ohio.

Jane is a graduate of Ridgeville High School and Valparaiso University. She married Robert Schmeckpeper of Matteson, Ill. To this union five children were born: Christina, Edwin, Eric, Amy, and Martin. The family resides in Naples, Florida. Jane and Amy passed away in 1973.

Kenneth married Alive Vorwerk of Napoleon. They are the parents of four children: Patty, Carol, Linda, and Tom. Kenneth is a graduate of Ridgeville High and Valparaiso University. Kenneth is a veteran of World War II. The family lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Jeannette married Vernon Holers. They are the parents of Michael, Jeffrey, and Julia Ann. They reside in Napoleon.

Rosella married Malcolm Heiberg. They are the parents of Vicki, Peggy, Bruce, and John. Vicki married Michael Saneholtz of Napoleon, and they are the parents of one son Todd. They reside in Napoleon. 

Howard married Peggy Wade Thomas of Goldsboro, North Carolina. They are the parents of Michael, born July 12, 1956; Jeff, born Jan. 25, 1960; Mark, born Jan. 7, 1964; and John, born Oct. 16, 1969. Little John was born in Weisbaden, and saw three countries before he was three days old, namely Germany, Greece, and Libya, North Africa. Howard is a retired veteran of the Air Force. They are presently living in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Marlene married Russell Patterson. They are the parents of two sons, Daniel Russell and Samuel Jay. They reside in Napoleon.

The Gerken family attends St. John's Lutheran Church where they are active in church affairs. Mr. Gerken was associated with the Gerald Grain Assn. for many years. Mrs. Gerken has been active in civic affairs and was a 4H advisor for many years. She taught all of the girls the art of homemaking and especially sewing at which she is proficient.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerken enjoy good health. In their retirement years their hobbies include gardening, sewing, quilt making, woodworking, and metalworking.

Submitted by Mrs. Marlene (Russell) Patterson