Joseph F. Gerdeman

OTTAWA – Joseph F. Gerdeman, 90, of Ottawa, died at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at The Meadows of Ottawa. He was born October 31, 1933, in Glandorf to the late Frank and Regina (Inkrott) Gerdeman. He married Ruth Laudick-Schroeder, sharing 45 years together. She survives in Ottawa.

Also surviving is a daughter, Gerri (Mark) Hempfling of Ottawa and their two sons and daughter;  daughter, Gina (Dave) Fortman of Cincinnati and their two sons and two daughters; son, Dean (Lisa) Gerdeman of Cincinnati and their son and daughter; stepdaughter, Julie (Amos) Place of Glandorf and their two daughters and son-in-law; stepson, Scott (Barb) Schroeder of Ottawa and their four sons; and in-laws: Rosie (Otto) Gerdeman and Dolores (Dick) Hoffman.

In addition to his parents, Joe was also preceded in death by his brother, Linus Gerdeman; sisters: Edna (John) Keeterle, Agnes (Floyd) Scheckelhoff and Ruth Gerdeman; and sister-in-law, Marilyn (Baker) Keeterle.

Joe was a self-employed building contractor in the local community since 1968. He was inducted in the U.S. Armed Forces on June 14, 1955, where he was instructed as a radio operator, learning Morse Code in the Communications Branch, 5th Armored Division, Camp Chaffee, Arkansas from September 12, 1955 to December 2, 1955. He then transferred and was stationed at Headquarters Battery, 59th AAA Bn, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas from 1955 to 1957. While at Ft. Bliss, Joe was a coach for the Battalion sponsored team in the dependent basketball league, as well as baseball for the Fort Bliss Children and Youth Activities Center. Joe as a Sp-3, received Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army on May 31, 1963.

Joe graduated from Glandorf High School and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf, and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Ottawa Knights of Columbus, Council #1757, American Veterans (Amvets) Post OH-2013, and lifetime member of the Ottawa Kerner-Slusser American Legion Post 63.

A private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist, Glandorf Maintenance Fund or Cemetery Fund, Bridge Hospice, Findlay or The Meadows of Ottawa for special equipment.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

St. John the Baptist Maintenance Fund or Cemetery Fund
109 N. Main St., Glandorf OH 45848

Bridge Hospice
15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay OH 45840

The Meadows of Ottawa for special equipment
147 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa OH 45875