Gerhard Werling, 83 years old of Decatur, Indiana, went peacefully home to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2009 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on Thursday, December 3, 1925 in Adams County, Indiana the son of Gottlieb and Christina (Fuhrmann) Werling. He married Dorothy M. Hegerfeld on May 5, 1951 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock. Gerhard was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim where he had formerly served as an elder, trustee and deacon. He was a former member of the Poe Volunteer Fire Department and a lifelong member of the Preble Volunteer Fire Department. He was a lifelong Preble Township farmer and had been employed by Moellering Supply for seventeen years. Gerhard and his family received the Hoosier Homestead Award in 2007 for operating their family farm for 150 years. He was known for his woodworking and had operated a small family sawmill on his farm. He was also known for his garden. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy M. Werling of Decatur, son, Dennis (Angie) Werling of Decatur, son, Duane (Kim) Werling of Pendleton, Indiana, son, Michael (Judy) Werling of Decatur, daughter, Sharon (Phil) Franke of Monroeville, and eight grandchildren; Jason (Nicole) Werling, Kristie (Brian) Schlemmer, Elyse Werling, Kelsey Werling, Andrew Werling, Sara Werling, Brittany Franke and Anna Franke. Preceding Gerhard in death were one sister, Esther Thieme and two brothers, Edwin & Arthur Werling. A prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2009 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur followed by a funeral service in the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Rev. Daniel Dahling officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim. Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2009 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the prayer service Monday in the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Worship for Shut-Ins, Preble Volunteer Fire Department or the donor's choice.
