Gertrude L. Risch

Gertrude L. Risch, 88 of Oak Harbor, Ohio passed away June 9, 2009 at Stein Care Center, Sandusky from complications of pancreatic cancer. Born March 17, 1921 in Shalersville, OH to Bertie and Florence (Newbury) Mills, She married Arthur Risch October 26, 1940 and resided with him on the family farm in Salem Township. They moved in town in 1970. They opened their hearts to William Landenberg, Marge and Sylvia Knotts. Art passed away July 13, 1988, and Gertrude lived these past 20 years enjoying her grand and great-grandchildren. Gertrude was employed at Erie Ordnance Depot Personal Office from 1945 1962 and retired to be at home with her foster girls. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Sara Circle, Gertrude lived her Christian life and shared it with those around her. She was also a member of NARF, Church Women United and the friends of Bunco Club enriched her life. Her parents, brother George Mills, and sister Bessie Baumgartner preceded her in death. She is survived by sister Harriet Marik of Sandusky, her children: son William (Georgeanna) Risch of Oak Harbor; daughters Marge (John) Kelley of Curtice, OH and Sylvia (Rex) Branum of Oak Harbor; grandchildren: Dr. William Risch, George (Theresa) Risch, Randy (Holly) Risch, Dale (Heather) Tusen, Dawn (Dale) Hughes, Holly (Kevin) Spencer, Jeremy (Carey) Branum, Tiffany (Dave) Hammack, Stephanie (Shawn) Lorow, Charity (Dave) Cornell and 20 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Debbie Baumgartner, Sandy Hopfinger, George Baumgartner, Becky Mills, Sally Ihde, Bert Mills, Scott Mills, Pam Keys, and Jim Marik. Funeral Services will be conducted by Pastor Ted Stellhorn at 10:30am Saturday, June 13, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor. Visitation will be from 2-9pm Friday at the Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Burial will be in Salem Twp. Roose Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Stein Hospice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserfuneralhome.com. The family thanks all members of Stein Hospice and Pastor Cheryl Wessel for being with her during her difficult illness. The great- grandchildren will miss going to Grandma's House for may cookies and hugs. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH