Melvin T. "Chopper" Gerding

GLANDORF - Melvin T. "Chopper" Gerding, 72, of Glandorf, died 6:41 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018 at The Meadows of Ottawa.  He was born July 9, 1945 in Glandorf to the late Neil and Eleanor (Rosenbauer) Gerding.  On November 23, 1972, he married Judy McMillen Langhals Gerding and she survives in Ottawa.

Other survivors include three children: Lisa (Al Wolke) Langhals of Ottawa, Ralph (Sherrie) Langhals of Glandorf and Jack Gerding of Carey; a grandson, Bryan (Carolina) Flores; two great grandchildren: Alina Flores and Nathan Flores; and four brothers: Don (Joan) Gerding of Ottawa, Jim (Helen) Gerding of Kalida, John (Nancy) Gerding of Miller City and Steve (Gina) Gerding of Glandorf.

He was also preceded in death by  two sisters: Imogene (Jim) Jones and Norma (Dave) Fackler.

Melvin was a truck driver for Niese Leasing for forty two years.  He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf, Leipsic Fish and Hunt, Ottawa Eagles, Ottawa American Legion, and life member of the Ottawa VFW.  He was a US Navy Veteran serving during Vietnam.  Chopper enjoyed fishing, hunting, country music and camping.  Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf with Fr. Tony Fortman officiating.  Burial will following the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa VFW, American Legion and Am Vets.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to the Putnam County Veterans Services or Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com