William L. Gerken

William L. "Dutch" Gerken, age 93, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 26, 2023 at home with loving family by his side. He was born on March 12, 1930 to John D. and Beatrice (Slater) Gerken in Toledo, OH. Dutch was a 1948 graduate from Central Catholic High School. He was an accomplished golfer his entire life beginning when he was a player/coach on his state bound high school team. Dutch thoroughly enjoyed his time on the golf course, whether it be with his Wolf Pack buddies at HCC, or the several outings he played with Susie, his sons, nephews, and many others who benefited from his ability to "lay out" a green and make shots. It brought joy to those who were able to share a round with Dutch.

As an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan, Dutch leaves a lasting legacy to many for having one of the most incredible "DAWG Pound" playoff parties in the backyard of his West Toledo residence; to which many would remember the footage being shown on local and national news outlets. He and his wife, Sue were always extremely proud to host everyone who frequently visited and considered Kalida their home.

Dutch and Sue traveled all over following their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids through the years, attending many different sporting events. Whether it be hockey at the various tournaments, or the many different locales that baseball took the five boys (and sister, Susie) throughout their lives, he was a coach to so many, including the likes of: Pilgrim basketball, Trilby baseball, Jr. Knothole (B.P.O.E.Elks), and most notably the Longfellow Indians and Dodgers baseball teams.

Dutch was an incredible athlete himself back in his early years, playing for Mercy Hospital softball, Hagerty Lanes bowling, and most recently his Senior Olympic accomplishments at both the state and national levels. He truly enjoyed visiting Susie in Vancouver, B.C., where he competed in her annual curling tournament, once again, surprising no one with his ability to compete and succeed.

Dutch had an uncanny ability to play and compete in almost any activity at the numerous family gatherings over the years. It didn't matter if it was horseshoes, shooting baskets, playing catch or him winning a game of cornhole at a recent family reunion, Dutch loved his family and he loved being a part of whatever activity they were involved in.

He was a founding member of the St. Francis de Sales Knights of the Round Table, the first ever form of a St. Francis athletic boosters club, and had many lifelong friends through his sons affiliation with St. Francis athletics. Dutch was inducted into the St. Francis Hall of Fame with his fellow Round Table members in 1999 and it was an honor he humbly cherished.

Dutch leaves a far reaching legacy and was a father figure, mentor, and friend to so many. The family would like to thank all those who were a part of his life, and allowed for his "bonus time" these past several years. A special loving thank you to Dr. Rao, Dr. Phinney, and Dr. Otting and the many others for their extraordinary time and care given to our Dad.

Left to cherish Dutch's memory are his loving children, James D., Thomas W., Jay A., Timothy J. (Mary), David L., and Susan (Bob) LeBlevec; grandchildren, Rory (Stephanie), Lucas, Gretchen, Sarah, Thomas Jr., Emily, William B., Ross (Kari), Darcy, Chelsea (Tyler), Rebecca (Alex), Ian, and Sean; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Dillon, Quinn, Charlotte, Beatrice, Emmitt, Colette, and Parker Kate; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Susan; brother, John "Jack" Diedrich; granddaughter, Megan Gerken.

The family will receive guests on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Mass will begin Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at GESU Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, OH 43607. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In memory of Dutch, the Gerken family asks those wishing to make memorial contributions to consider Knights of the Round Table Scholarship at St. Francis de Sales School.

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