Donavon J. Gerig

January 7, 1928 - September 27, 2016

Donavon J. Gerig, 88, Berne passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice in Ft. Wayne. He was born to Clarence and Idella(Neuenschwander)Gerig on January 7, 1928. He married his wife of 67 years, LaDonna(Litzenberg), on August 5, 1948. LaDonna preceded him in death on June 20 of this year.

Don was a graduate of Southeastern HS in Detroit, Fort Wayne Bible College, and Taylor University with a BS degree in Music and English and a Master's degree from Ball State University.

Don was a music director at Hartford Center near Linn Grove, Adams Central in Monroe, South Adams in Berne, and Northrop in Fort Wayne. He retired from teaching after 37 years in 1989. Donavon was music/choir director for more than 33 years at churches in both Berne and Fort Wayne. He was also director of the Edelweiss Singers for 18 years in Adams County.

He loved traveling with his wife, singing all forms of music and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his 4 children; Becky(David)Ristau of Dana Point, CA., Deb(John)Hilligoss of Columbia City, IN., Randy(Kristi)Gerig of Seattle, WA., and Rick(Lori)Gerig of Fort Wayne, IN., 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, brother, Lee(Lois)Gerig and sister, Sharon(Bob)Snodgrass.

Preceding Don in death are his parents and wife, LaDonna.

Funeral services are Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:30 am at the First Mennonite Church, Berne with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Visitation also Friday, September 30 from 4 to 8 pm at the Swiss Village Chapel. Officiating is Pastor Jeff Linthicum. Burial is in the Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery, Ft. Wayne. Those attending the funeral may use the east church parking lot.

Preferred memorials are to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund &/or Mennonite Choral Society.

Sign the guest book on-line at www.yagerkirchhofer.com

Arrangements by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home.