William H Gerke
March 19, 1933 ~ September 7, 2017 (age 84) 84 Years OldShare using:
William H. Gerke, 84, of Niles, entered eternity Thursday September 7, 2017 at his son’s residence.
He was born March 19, 1933 in Youngstown the son of George and Miriam Goldberg Gerke .
Bill was a 1951 graduate of Niles McKinley High School where he played football and basketball. After high school Bill was employed as a sales agent at Met Life Insurance Company and later at U.S. Steel Company where he worked in the carpenter shop. Bill went on to operating his own home remodeling business as well as a carpenter in the union halls of Youngstown, Ohio and Manchester, New Hampshire.
After retiring, Bill obtained his Ohio Realtors License where he sold homes and started his own family home rental business with his wife and son.
He was a member of First Christian Church of Niles, where he is remembered as a Sunday School Teacher, The Girard Masonic Temple for over 50 years, The Carpenters Union , enjoyed woodworking, going to yard sales, crossword puzzles, spending time with family, and making people laugh.
He will be sadly missed by his wife Patricia Byers Gerke whom he married November 12, 1955, four sons, Howard Gerke(JoAnn) of Niles, David Gerke(Lisa) of Niles, Richard Gerke of Niles, and Louis Gerke of Niles, a daughter Deborah Gerke of Niles, eight grandchildren, Derek, Breanne , Amanda, Kayla, Jonelle, Anthony, Courtney, and Olivia,, and two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Ruby.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Halee Gerke and a sister Shirley Gosser.
Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:45PM.
Friends may also call one hour prior to the 11AM funeral service Tuesday at The Joseph Rossi and Son Funeral Home in Niles.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where William will be honored for his military service by The Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.
Material Contributions can be made to Hospice of The Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44512.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
