Charles H. Gerwels

Charles H. Gerwels, 91, of Goshen, died Monday afternoon, March 10, 2008, at Greencroft Healthcare where he had been a patient since March 1st. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Karl and Clara (Eschmann) Gerwels on March 23, 1916.  He married Frances E. Beres on April 25, 1939, in Dayton.  She preceded him in death on January 30, 1996. A Goshen resident since 1949, Mr. Gerwels graduated from the University of Dayton with a chemical engineering degree.  He was founder and owner of Triangle Rubber Company since 1950. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he was organist for 30 years.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Chemical Society and a charter member of Maplecrest Country Club. Mr. Gerwels served as Captain in the US Army during World War II. He is survived by five daughters, Eileen (Patrick) Mulroy of Elkhart, Julie (Thomas) Shediac of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Mary (Robert) Carmody of Ringoes, New Jersey, Frances (Jerry) Hostetler of Shipshewana, and Christine (John) Weiland of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; eight sons, Charles Gerwels of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, John Gerwels of Knoxville, Tennessee, Paul (Mary) Gerwels and Edward (Erin) Gerwels, both of Bristol, David (Nita) Gerwels of Goshen, Thomas Gerwels and Michael Gerwels, both of Elkhart, and Joseph (Mary Claire) Gerwels of Austin, Texas; 31 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Dick Bensman of Minster, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and a sister, Marianna Bensman. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 13, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  A 7:30 p.m., Rosary Service will be held. A 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2008, funeral mass will be conducted at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Goshen.  Father Christopher Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John the Evangelist Church or ADEC.