Loren Gerber Obituary

Loren Omer Gerber, a lifelong farmer businessman and devoted member of the Evart community, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, in Reed City, MI, at the age of 95. He was born on February 8, 1930 to Ernest and Marie (Morlock) Gerber. Loren was raised on a family farm in Osceola County and graduated from Reed City High School in 1948. He went on to honorably serve his country as a Sergeant during the Korean conflict and married the love of his life, Patricia Friend on June 24, 1956. Together, they built their home and raised their two children, Kelly and Mark, in Evart.
Loren spent his life as an active member of the Evart community. He was a farmer by trade, receiving an American Farmers degree from the Michigan Future Farmers of America in 1950 and owned and farmed a variety of properties throughout Osceola County. Loren owned and managed the Evart Milling Company, the Reed City Mill, and the McBain Mill. He served on a variety of local boards, including: the Evart School Board, the NBD Bank Board, the board for the Osceola County Road Commission and in his younger years was the Assistant Associate Director of Personnel Relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards. He was a member of the Evart Lions Club, actively participated on Evart Bowling and Softball teams for many years and served as both Treasurer and Board President for many years at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Loren was greatly dedicated to supporting his children's and grandchildren's pursuit of education, loved to dance and was a lifelong owner and lover of dogs, who felt he would have made a good veterinarian.
Loren is survived by: his sister, Ardie Jones (Jim); daughter, Kelly Dekker of Zeeland; son, Mark Gerber (Teri) of Canadian Lakes; his beloved grandchildren, Kate Allison (Paul), Jacob Gerber, and Maddie Dotson (Wyatt); his great-grandson, Oliver, who brought him great joy in his later years and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Loren is now reunited with: his beloved wife Patricia, who passed in 2022; his parents, Ernest and Marie; sister, Marian Dykstra; and his brothers, Russell, Raymond, and Marvin.
Loren will be remembered for his determination, dedication to family and community, and the enduring values he instilled in those who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the fields he worked, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To honor Loren's life, funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Evart on Thursday, June 19th at 11 AM with visitation starting one hour prior. Loren will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors. Condolences can be left on the Tribute Wall, on the Corey Funeral Home website www.coreyfuneralhome.com
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