Gerald A. Von Stein

Gerald A. Von Stein, age 87, of Nevada, Ohio, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 6:35am at the Wyandot County Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Upper Sandusky.

Gerald was born on February 16, 1926 in Hancock County, Ohio to Albert Edward and Estella Adella (Wilch) Von Stein. He married Gladys E. Ekleberry on January 8, 1950 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky and she survives.

Gerald is survived by 4 children; Dr. Emily (Jeff) Walton of Jenera, Ohio, Brenda (Andy) Koehler of Upper Sandusky, Dr. Diane (Mike Hahn) Von Stein of Coalville, Utah and a son, Dr. Alan (Rebecca) Von Stein of Trafalgar, Indiana. Along with 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Lamp, Rachel Koehler, Matthew Hahn, Sara Hahn, Courtney Murray, Erica Von Stein and Lauren Von Stein and 2 great grandchildren, Drew and Mitchell Lamp.

Gerald is also survived by a sister, Ruth (Frank) McClain of Sycamore, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Raymond and Howard Von Stein.

Gerald was a retired 3rd. generation farmer having farmed his entire life. He along with his wife, also owned and operated Von Stein Catering for 37 years. They retired from
both businesses in 1995.

In his earlier years, Gerald worked as a lab technician at Swan Rubber in Bucyrus, and he also as a carpenter for Myers- Sweigard Construction Co. in Upper Sandusky, having participated in the builds of A&A Grocery and Willson's Grocery, both in Upper Sandusky.

He was a 65 year member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was active at one time as a deacon, elder, Sunday School Superintendent, Key 73 speaker, and was a member of the former Lutheran Brotherhood for 20 years.

Gerald was also a long time member of the Nevada Lions Club where he served as president and tail twister, and was a devoted supporter of his childrens' 4-H activities and projects. In 2006, Gerald received the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award and in 2007, he along with Gladys, were awarded the Joined Hearts in Giving by the Ohio Department of Aging, which honors long married Ohioans who share a commitment to volunteerism.

For hobbies, Gerald enjoyed woodworking and traveling, from a few weeks each winter in Florida, to one of his favorite trips of taking the entire family, all 17 of them, to Hawaii.


Funeral services for Gerald A. Von Stein will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky with the Rev. Joe Trester officiating. Burial will be at Nevada Cemetery.

Visitations will be held on Wednesday at the church prior to service time, from 9:30am to 11:00am, and immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wyandot County Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Activities Fund, or the Wyandot County Council of Aging Transportation Fund. Memorials can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.