Robert E. Gerstacker

Robert Edward Gerstacker, age 83, of Dover passed away Saturday, August 30, 2008, in Country Club Retirement Center at Dover.Born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 12, 1924, he was the son of the late Oscar H. and Ella E. (Sommer) Gerstacker.Robert was a graduate of James Ford Rhodes High School and continued his education at Case Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering. From there, he became a student at Cornell University in the Executive Development program. Robert honorably served his country in the United States Army where he served with the 14th Armored Division in France and Germany during WWII. At the time he was discharged, Robert held the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. He also had been awarded a Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Metal and the Battle Ribbons for the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe.Prior to his retirement, Robert worked for Dover Chemical Corporation for 26 years as a Production Manager, Regional Sales Manager, and Director of Customer Service.On January 26, 1981, Robert married his wife who survives, the former Emmy Mertens zur Borg in Voorburg the Netherlands.Robert participated in numerous civic and church activities. He was president of the Newark, O. Jaycees, the Newark Noon Toastmasters Club and was chairman of Licking County Easter Seal. He was also president of the 14th Armored Division Association and he and Emmy were hosts for the 1991 Reunion in Columbus, O. with 700 in attendance.Robert enjoyed traveling, genealogy, and philately and wrote many articles for philatelic magazines. He was a 50 year member of the American Philatelic Society.In addition to his wife, Emmy Margaretha Gerstacker, he is survived by his son, Stephen (Mallory) Henry Gerstacker of New Philadelphia; his sister, Ellen Joanne Gerstacker of North Royalton, O.; and two sisters-in-law, two nieces, and one nephew, all in the Netherlands. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 1, 2008 at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover beginning at 7 p.m. with Dr. John Center officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 5 to 7 p.m. The family requests memorial contributions in Robert’s memory be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, O. 44622 or the charity of the donor’s choice.