Leon E. Gerling, 85, New Knoxville, died at 9:47 a.m. July 2, 2011, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St, Marys.

He was born Nov. 5, 1925, in Minster to Frank and Jennie Bolheimer Gerling. On Aug. 2, 1972, he married Rosemary W. Landwehr Burris, who survives in New Knoxville.

Also surviving are sons, Thomas Gerling, Celina, and Edward Gerling, Winchester, Ind.; stepchildren, Joe (Connie) Gurski, St. Paris, Nancy Burris Anderson, New Bremen, Jeanne (Gary) Burris Hasenkamp, Delphos, and Ned (Donna) Burris, Liberty Township; a sister, Eileen Lewis, Midwest City, Okla.; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a brother, Vernon Gerling.

He was a member of St. Peter's Church, New Bremen. He owned a Sohio filling station in New Bremen for many years and then was employed by Minster Machine, Minster, where he retired in 1989. He then worked part time for Sifred-Hasselman Company, St. Marys. He was named the 2008 Fan of the Year by the New Knoxville Rangers Basketball Team.

Service is 3 p.m. July 6, 2011, at St. Peter's Church, New Bremen, the Rev. Stephen Wills officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 5-8 pm. today at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 2-3 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the church memorial fund.