Gerhardt Paul Vikar Sr.

Born on September 3rd, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. Gerhardt attended Osborn High school and left after graduation to serve as a combat infantryman in Vietnam. After serving two tours, he returned home to immediately search out the neighborhood girl who stole his heart, winning her over and marrying the love of his life, my mother Marsha Vikar, on October 9th, 1971. My parents spent 52 years together side by side, proving love at first sight still exists.

To put into words my Father’s life, I would have to write a novel, but a short essay will do. He proudly served his country in Vietnam in the Army, then the Navy, eventually settling in the Air Force.

After retiring from the Air Force, Dad went back to school to earn his associate degree and worked for many more years designing for many different companies. Retiring from his second career, he and my mom took to traveling the world. He was happiest on a cruise ship, swaying in the ocean on the way to the next port, enjoying the food and time alone with his beloved wife.

Dad knew everything about everything and shared his knowledge without hesitation. He loved history of all varieties, imparting that love to my brother and I. We spent our childhood crammed in a backseat of a station wagon, traveling the country and stopping at every museum along the way. Most of our memories are attached to a camping trip, with a stop at a historical site, listening to my dad tell us everything he knew about it before driving off to the next museum.

He had a million hobbies, he was an incredible craftsman, a talented mechanic, and would do anything for anyone who asked for help. His love language was sharing knowledge and making little thoughtful gifts with his 3D printer. He loved his family, was beyond proud of his children, and loved sitting with friends and family, telling stories.

The best thing about my father was when he would walk into a room. Within ten minutes he would be the center of attention, and when he left that room, he’d have a handful of new friends he’d won over with his storytelling and unique humor.

He loved his family as much as we loved him, if not more. His vast knowledge, his stories, his humor, and his mere presence will be missed by all who met him.

A visitation for Gerhardt will be held Monday, January 29, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, Michigan 48088, followed by a military honors at 1:00 PM. Burial to take place at Resurrection Cemetery.