James L. Gerber

James L. Gerber, 86, of Goshen ran into glory Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by his family at Quaker Haven Camp, Syracuse IN.  Jim was born August 8, 1938, in Kidron OH to Nathan and Elvina (Amstutz) Gerber.  He married Barbara (Mohler) Mast September 5, 1998, in Lititz PA.

She survives along with his children, Doug (Dawn) Gerber, Wakarusa IN, Dawn (Scott) Hankins, Charlevoix MI and Mark (Kathy) Gerber, Orrville OH; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Gerber, Nick (Anastasia Martinez) Gerber, Natalie (Micah) Mansfield, Allison (Ben) Sims, Zach (Ashley) Hankins, Janelle (Matt) Richey, Rachel (Jonathan) Mast and Justin (Sarah) Gerber; and eight great-grandchildren, Aanya, Myra, Elijah and Levi Gerber, Rylie and Sadie Sims, Savannah Richey and Rowan Gerber.  He is also survived by his loving step-family; Jim and Doreen Osika, Matt and Ashley Feldmeier, Jared, Azure, Faith and Autumn Osika, Jeremy Osika, Steve, Christy, Meredith and Philip Mast.

In addition, he is survived by three siblings, Barbara Steiner, Kidron OH, Norman (Kathy) Gerber, Harrisonburg VA, Aldis Gerber, Obraje, Mexico and sister-in-law, Leora Gerber, Kidron OH.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol (Handrich) Gerber, brothers, David Gerber and Daniel Gerber, brother-in-law Aldis Steiner and sister-in-law Lupe Gerber.

Jim’s life was first and foremost profoundly intertwined with his Lord.  Every move Jim took was a door opened by his Lord and he willingly walked through each door.  His vocations included farming, sawmill operations, excavating, snow-blowing, mission work and 25 years as Pastor of the Maple River Mennonite Church in Brutus MI.  He served on numerous boards and led many bible study classes and prayer meetings.  He visited and sat with many people, including all of his loving family members, always asking questions and deeply interested in each of their lives.  His greatest desire was to be the hands and feet of Jesus to all those around him and to do all he could to plant and water seeds for all to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Visitation is planned for Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday, January 11, from 12 noon to 1 pm.  The memorial service will begin at 1 pm, all at Clinton Frame Church, 63846 CR35 Goshen IN.  Light refreshments following the service.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Mennonite Disaster Service; https://mds.org/ or Mennonite Central Committee; https://mcc.org/ .

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.