Lois Gerken

Lois Gerken age 92, of Hamler, died March 26, 2025 at Vancrest of Holgate. She was born February 6, 1933 the daughter of George and Selma (Behnfeldt) Freytag. Survivors include children: Gary of Hamler, Elaine (Scott) DeTray of Hamler, Brenda (Rick) Brantley of Cartersville, GA and Kevin (Kelli) Gerken of Napoleon; sisters: Joan Bixler, Marilyn Wachtman and Erma (Erv) Haas all of Napoleon; grandchildren: Christopher (Melissa) DeTray, Jessica (Ben) Myers, Harley (Kelsey) Guinn, Konner (Chelsea) Gerken; step grandchildren: Rachel and Tyler Brantley, Kari (Kyle) Zachrich, Jim (Tarrin) Augustine, Tye Eitzman and Amanda Wagner; great grandchildren: Landon and Julia Zachrich,  Riley and Rowen DeTray, Grady Guinn, Raelynn and Blakely Gerken, JJ and Journey Augustine, Ayden and Domynic Eitzman and Mattea Puente. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Arnie. Arnie and Lois were married on December 5, 1954. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage.

Lois was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Hamler, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, member of and secretary of the Ohio Polka Boosters, member of the Northwest Ohio Low German Club, member of the Red Hat Society and former member of the Napoleon Polka Band for 30 years, Lois played the fiddle.  Lois worked at the Hamler School cafeteria for 7 years.  She worked at Heller Memorial Hospital for a few years, Oak Grove Nursing Home as a kitchen cook for 35 years.  Lois loved to share with friends that she still worked till she was 86 years old.  Lois loved her (Freytag) sisters.  They spent time together eating out for lunches.  They were in Red Hats together, so they got to spend time together planning where they would eat and where they would play cards. Lois loved polka dancing at the Bavarian Haus and Kalida dances. Polka music was always on the radio in the house and car. Lois volunteered numerous hours at the Hamler Summerfest making sure the German potato salad and beef and noodles were seasoned just right. Both Lois and Arnie provided room and board for the band members, especially Marv Herzog and the rest of the band. Her cinnamon rolls were the best. She specifically made rolls for the band members and her kids were not allowed to eat them. She will be deeply missed.

Friends will be received in the Zachrich Family Funeral Home of Holgate on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 1-6:00 pm.  The Celebration of Lois will be in Hope Lutheran Church, Hamler on Monday with visitation at 10:00 am.  Services will be at 11:00 am with SAM Deacon Helena Morris officiating. After the service, Lois will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Hospice of NW Ohio, the Filling Home of Mercy or Hope Lutheran Church.