Gerald Sluss

Gerald B. Sluss, 85, of Whippoorwill Lane, Mansfield, died late Thursday evening, October 30, 2008, at Hospice House in Ashland. Born November 14, 1922, he was the son of Raymond and Viola Bixler Sluss. He was a graduate of Louisville Ohio High School and The Ohio State University, receiving a degree in Agriculture. He worked for Ralston Purina Company for 18 years, being a District Sales Manager for many of those years. He and his first wife, Marjorie, started Sluss Realty Company in October of 1971. Mr. Sluss was a World War II veteran, serving in Europe in the 735th Tank Battalion and was in five campaigns, leaving with a rank of Technical Sergeant. While at Ohio State, he belonged to ROTC and upon graduation was sent to Wichita, Kansas as a Billeting Officer for the Air Force with a rank of Lieutenant. He was a member of the Little Washington Congregational Church. Mr. Sluss has been president of the Mansfield Board of Realtors in 1979, 1986 and 1992. He has headed and served on many committees on the Mansfield and Galion Boards. He was a 50 year Mason belonging to Mansfield Masonic Lodge #35 F.&A.M., a member of the Scottish Rite and the Al Koran Shrine. He was also a member of the Mansfield Power Squadron, OSU Alumni Club and Crews Nest at Put-In-Bay.

Surviving are his wife, Lana L. Garverick Sluss; son, Bix Carla Sluss of Ontario; daughter, Cindy Jeff Linta of Little River, SC; three step children, Libby Blakley, Paula Mike Futty and Zachary Shuler all of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Grant, Megan and Austin Sluss and Jeffrey and Lauren Linta; four step grandchildren, Chelsea Blakley, Sam Musilli, Allie and Kayli Futty; three brothers, Melvin Sluss, Dale Alice Sluss and Marion Sluss; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Sluss; a brother, Olen Sluss; and a sister, Eileen Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906 conducted by Rev. David Root. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 9-11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park with military honors by Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.