Ralph F. "Sport" Gerardot Jr., 83 years old of Maples, Indiana, passed away at 7:47 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at his residence following an illness of about 1 year. Ralph was born on October 5, 1922 in Monroeville, Indiana, the son of the late Ralph F. Gerardot Sr. and the late Gertrude (McCoy) Gerardot. He married Doris E. Anderson on November 7, 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia and she survives. They had celebrated 62 years of marriage last November. Ralph was a member of the St. Rose Catholic Church in Monroeville, Indiana; Knights of Columbus in Decatur, Indiana; American Legion Post #420 in Monroeville, Indiana, where he had been Post Commander twice; and the Navy Club in New Haven, Indiana. Ralph served his country in the United States navy during World War II. Ralph retired as a machine operator in 1986 from B. F. Goodrich Tire in Woodburn, Indiana after 25 years of service. He was a former owner of the 4-Aces Tavern in Tillman, Indiana for 15 years. Surviving are his wife, Doris E. Gerardot of Maples, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. James (Patricia A.) Rumschlag of Decatur, Indiana, son, Stephen W. Gerardot of Maples, Indiana, daughter, Laura J. Beery of Monroeville, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Tom (Carol J.) Brames of Monroeville, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Matt (Nancy K.) Richard of Monroeville, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Michael (Joan M.) Aurand of Monroeville, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. James (Ellen R.) Wyss of New Haven, Indiana, son, Jeffrey L. (Becky) Gerardot of Maples, Indiana, brother, Wilmer Gerardot of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, twenty-three grandchildren, thirteen great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Ralph was preceded in death by one daughter, Barbara E. Gerardot in 1960 at age 11. A 9:30 a.m. Prayer Service will be held Friday, May 12, 2006 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Rose Catholic Church with Fr. Stephen Colchin officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Monroeville, Indiana. Military Graveside Services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #420 & V.F.W. of Monroeville, Indiana. Friends will be received from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2006 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville, Indiana. A Rosary Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Preferred memorials are Masses to the church or Parkview Hospice.
