Gerald L. Schmucker, age 89, of Stryker, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at The Laurels of Defiance, Ohio.
Gerald was born on January 21, 1932, to Alfred and Hilda (Rust) Schmucker. He was raised in Stryker with his brother, Levon, and sister, Della, and graduated from Stryker High School in 1950.
After serving in the Navy for 4 years, Gerald married Claudine (Bowers) on March 5, 1955, and they enjoyed 65 years together. They were life-long, active members of the First Lutheran Church of Stryker.
He is survived by his wife, Claudine; his son, Brad (Nancy) Schmucker, of Bowling Green, Ohio; daughter, Kristi Ovak, of North Canton, Ohio; and sister, Della Merillat, of Hudson, Michigan. Also surviving are his grandson, Adam Ovak, of Lakewood, Ohio; grandson, Jared Ovak, of Parma, Ohio; and granddaughter, Samantha (Cory) Prosowski, of Amherst, Ohio, and their children Lincoln and Lydia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Hilda Schmucker; his brother, Levon Schmucker, of Phoenix, Arizona; brother and sister-in-law, Max and Joan Bowers of Le Grande, Oregon; brother-in-law, Wayne Bowers, of West Unity, Ohio, and brother-in-law, Paul Merillat, of Hudson, Michigan.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, a graveside service and time of gathering will be postponed until a later date to be announced by the family. As the pandemic has isolated people from each other and prevented them from gathering, the family asks that in lieu of flowers or memorial items that friends and family members reach out to each other and those in need by calling, emailing, and sharing memories.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker has been entrusted with arrangements.
