Gary L. Geren

Gary Lee Geren (December 23, 1942 – April 9, 2021)

Gary Lee Geren passed away at his home early Friday morning with his wife and daughters by his side.  He was 78 years old.

Gary was born on December 23, 1942 in Findlay, Ohio, to Nathan and Helen Maurine (King) Geren who preceded him in death.  When Gary was 8 days old, his father left to serve in WWII.

Gary’s early life was influenced by his grandfathers and he enjoyed helping with the farm and especially the horses.  His admiration for his grandfathers would continue to grow and he would eventually have a farm and draft horses of his own as a way to honor them.

Gary spent most of his childhood in McComb, Ohio.  He moved to Wapakoneta in 1957.  Gary excelled in team sports and his high school teammates became his lifelong friends.  Gary was a 1960 graduate of WHS and attended The Ohio State University.

On October 13, 1962, Gary made the best the decision of his life when he married Raelene Neuman.  Together, they built a beautiful life that included their four children, farms, friends, and horses.

Gary worked at Superior Coach/Sheller Globe for 17 years before starting his own company, Mid Bus Inc.   After retiring from the bus business, Gary and Raelene opened the Columbus Grove Furniture Store.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.  He spent his life working hard so that his kids and grandkids could have opportunities that were not available to him when he was their age.  He often helped others quietly and with anonymity.

He lived for the simple pleasures of an afternoon football game, a weekly phone call with friends, fishing at the neighborhood pond, and hearing stories of his eleven grandkid’s adventures.  He loved talking about his horses, waiting for his homing pigeons to fly home, and training his dogs.  Many an afternoon was spent watching his beloved Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He was always available with a story and had his favorites he liked to tell over and over again.

Survivors include 3 daughters Lisa (Kenny) Winget, Kristine (Marty) Limbert, Mary (Larry) Lutz; 10 grandchildren Sally (Jim) Fisk, Hanna Rizzo, Allison Limbert, Mitchell Limbert, Haley (Kyle Hart) Geren-Hinegardner, Claire Limbert, David Limbert, Taylor (Tyler White) Winget, Mia Lutz, Owen Lutz; 2 great-grandchildren Kaden Kociuba, Cameron Rizzo; 4 siblings Dennis (Linda) Geren, Marilyn (Gary) Grainger, Carolyn Smith, and Mike (Lori) Geren.

Gary was preceded in death by a son John Geren; a grandson Teddy Lutz; a brother Rodger Geren and a brother-in-law John Smith.

The visitation with the family will begin at noon on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at First English Lutheran Church.  The memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Vicar Deborah Monnin officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Rita’s Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com

The Geren family has entrusted Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services to handle the arrangements.