Donald T. “Don” Gerding

OTTAWA – Donald T. “Don” Gerding, 90, of Ottawa, passed away at 8:03 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born February 18, 1936, in Putnam County to the late Cornelius “Neil” and Eleanore (Rosenbauer) Gerding. On October 4, 1958, he married Joan Ruhe, who preceded him in death on May 30, 2025.

Survivors include three daughters: Natalie (John) Roberts of Toledo, Julie Gerding of Dandridge, TN and Ann (Chris) Luneke of Dayton; and four grandchildren: Jackie Roberts, Audrey Roberts, Bailey Luneke and Mason Luneke.

Don went to Frogtown School and Glandorf High School. He then served in the US Army during the Korean War. After his service in the military, he worked for the family business, providing wood bowling pins for the Professional Bowlers Association. Don had also earned his private pilot license and enjoyed giving plane rides. After 30 years of service, he retired in 2000 from Ford Motor Company, Lima. During his retirement, he volunteered as a crossing guard at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, SPPS Boosters, Ottawa Jaycees, Ottawa Eagles, Ottawa American Legion, Glandorf Rod and Gun and Leipsic Fish and Hunt Club.

Don was always busy doing projects. These projects could be as small as wood carvings or as large as a large doll house for his granddaughter’s dance recital or building gazebos for people in the community. His last project was installing a paved patio at the cottage.

Over the years, Don and Joan enjoyed vacationing. Most recently, Don would spend time in East Tennessee, where you could find him sitting on the porch of Martha’s Market or on the deck of Coldwater Lake.

Don loved his Saturday nights out with his wife, Joan, prior to her passing and his card groups, especially the Euchre Group. He also enjoyed season tickets for the OG Titans, where they sat for many years at center court.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa with a scripture service beginning at 7:50 p.m., and again on Friday one hour prior to mass at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church: Building Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com.