Robert Stephen Gerbetz

Robert “Bob” Stephen Gerbetz, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday morning, February 12, 2008, in his home. Born at Barberton, Ohio, December 27, 1925, he was a son of the late John and Elizabeth Kriston Gerbetz. Best known as Bob to his friends and family, he graduated from Barberton High School in 1944, and promptly joined the United States Navy. Bob’s service took him to the Pacific Theatre where he served for twenty-one months. For the next year and a half, Bob served stateside where he was honorably discharged in April, 1947.A gifted mechanic, Bob went to work following his military career servicing automobiles. He specialized in repairing Mercedes Benz, Studebakers, and Hudsons. Two decades later, Bob began teaching automotive technology at New Philadelphia High School, and ultimately at Buckeye Career Center. His career as an educator spanned from 1965 until his retirement in 1985. Although retired, Mr. Gerbetz continued to serve as a substitute teacher for the next ten years. When not busy teaching, Bob found great enjoyment in toiling in his workshop, where his talented hands crafted many gifts for friends and loved ones. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting aluminum cans. Mr. Gerbetz’s affiliations are numerous, and include the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia, the Iota Lambda Sigma Fraternity at Kent State University, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, The Ohio Retired Teachers Association, the Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers Association, the AARP, and the Union Grange. He leaves behind a family that includes his wife of thirty-two years, Helen Kinsey Gerbetz, of New Philadelphia, seven daughters and sons; Stephen (wife Carol) Gerbetz, of Akron, Ohio, Christina (husband Larry) Meadows of Norton, Ohio, Robert Gerbetz of Texas, Suzanne (husband John) Newton of Haines, Alaska, David Gerbetz of Mexico, James Gerbetz and his companion Amy, of Warsaw, Ohio, and Margaret (husband Mark) Minnich, of Columbus, Ohio. Ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, five step-children; Kay (husband Ernie) Orr of Damascus, Maryland, David (wife Linda) Kinsey of New Philadelphia, Jayne (husband Arno) Harmon of Lewis Center, Ohio, Beth (husband Jake) Swauger of Kipling, North Carolina, and Mark Kinsey of New Philadelphia, eight step-grandchildren, and 13 step great-grandchildren as well as a brother John (wife Mary) Gerbetz of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and a sister, Maryanne Osolin of Barberton complete the family. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his step-great-grandson, Brian Kinsey. Friends are invited to call Thursday, February 14, from 4-7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor William Deist will lead Mr. Gerbetz’s funeral Friday morning at 10:30 in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park where military honors will be rendered.Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the Church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.Linn-Hert-Geib (330) 343-5506 www.geibfuneral.com