Donavon Gerig

DONAVON J. GERIG, 88, of Berne, passsed away Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice in Fort Wayne. Born Jan. 7, 1928, he was a son of the late Clarence and Idella (Neuen schwand er) Gerig. He married his wife of 67 years, LaDonna (Litzenberg) on Aug. 5, 1948; she preceded him in death on June 20, 2016. Don was a graduate of Southeastern High School in Detroit, Mich., Fort Wayne Bible College, and Taylor University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music and English from Ball State University. Don was music director at Hartford Center near Linn Grove, Adams Central High School in Monroe, South Adams High School in Berne and Northrop High School in Fort Wayne. He retired from teaching after 37 years in 1989. Donavon was music and choir director for more than 33 years at churches in both Berne and Fort Wayne. He was also director of the Edelweiss Singers for 18 years in Adams County. He loved traveling with his wife, singing all forms of music and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his four children, Becky (David) Ristau of Dana Point, Calif., Deb (John) Hilligoss jof Columbia City, Randy (Kristi) Gerig of Seattle, Wash., and Rick (Lori) Gerig of Fort Wayne; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Lee (Lois) Gerig; and sister, Sharon (Bob) Snodgrass. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, LaDonna. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at First Mennonite Church in Berne, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at the Swiss Village Chapel. Pastor Jeff Linthicum officiating. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Those attending the funeral may use the east church parking lot. Preferred memorials to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund and or the Mennonite Choral Society. Arrangements by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home.