Helen M. Gerschutz

Helen Marie (Barth) Gerschutz age 96, of Holgate, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Meadows of Ottawa. 

Her Legacy… Helen was born August 31, 1927 to Clarence and Ella Barth in Holgate.  She graduated from Holgate High School and attended business college.  She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Owens Illinois in Toledo then retired from Snyder Chevrolet, Napoleon after 25 years of working as a bookkeeper.  On February 6, 1976 she married Jerome “Jerry” Gerschutz.  She was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Holgate.  She volunteered many years of service for Grain Train organization for Lutheran Ministry sewing lap robes and quilts for veteran’s hospitals and convalescent homes.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Holgate. Helen and Jerry spent 37 enjoyable years at their lake front home at Long Lake Indiana.   Helen loved to work with flowers, weeding and watering.  Everyone admired her beautiful flower garden.  In her spare time she put together many, many puzzles, liked word search and solitaire.  In her younger years she was an avid bowler on a league.

Her Family… She is survived by her most loving husband, Jerry; step children: Laura (Danny) Orr, Denise (Claude) Holifield, Kathy (Emmett) Hagerman, John Gerschutz and Thomas Gerschutz; 13 step grandchildren: Chris (Ben) Healy, Stephanie (Derek) Damman, Alisha Moll, Dustin Westrick, Alex (Courtney) Westrick, Lucas (Sandra) Holifield, Brianne (Kyle) Heitmeyer, Josh (Nicky) Gerschutz, Garrett (Stephanie) Gerschutz, Mariah (Alex) Black, Cheyenne (Dustin) Scott and Hunter Gerschutz; 23 step great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by a granddaughter Jennifer Holifield and a step great grandson.

Her Farewell Services… Friends will be received in the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Holgate on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 9:00 am until the service.   The celebration of Helen’s life will be at 11:00 am with Reverend James Haugen, III officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Contributions in memory of Helen can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Zachrich Family Funeral Home of Holgate.