Donavon J. Gerig

Donavon J. Gerig, 88, of Berne passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice in Fort Wayne. He was born on January 7, 1928 to Clarence and Idella (Neuenschwander) Gerig. He was married on August 5, 1948 to LaDonna Litzenberg.

He was a graduate of Southeastern High School 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. He 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. He 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 two daughters, Becky (David) Ristau of Dana Point, California; and Deb (John) Hilligoss of Columbia City; two sons, Randy (Kristi) Gerig of Seattle, Washington; and Rick (Lori) Gerig of Fort Wayne; brother, Lee (Lois) Gerig; sister, Sharon (Bob) Snodgrass; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife on June 20, 2016

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30 at the Swiss Village Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, October 1 at First Mennonite Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Linthicum. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Those attending the funeral may use the east church parking lot.

Memorials may be made to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund or the Mennonite Choral Society.

Arrangements provided by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne. Sign the guest book online at www.yagerkirchhofer.com.