George Thomas Gerding

George Thomas Gerding, age 73 of Hamilton passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012. He was born in Hamilton on May 20, 1939 to the late George H. and Mary E. (Schmidt) Gerding. George attended grade school at St. Veronica’s and Hamilton Catholic High School. He retired from Weiler Welding in 2010. George was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. On July 9, 1960 he married Mary Catherine Fisher. In his spare time, George volunteered at Mercy Franciscan at Schroder, where he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2008, and at The Woodlands of Hamilton. He was also a volunteer for over fifty years for the Antique Car Club of Butler County. George was an animal lover, model train collector, and enjoyed singing and leading karaoke, taking pictures, and relaxing with his wife Mary at a nearby campground. George’s true passion was playing Santa Claus at homes, nursing facilities, and churches in Ohio and Indiana.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Gerding; three children, Mary Ann (Richard) Hess, Thomas W. (Rhonda) Gerding, and Melissa M. (William) Wegman; grandchildren Chris Hess, Brie Gerding, and Betsy Wegman; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary E. Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at Mercy Franciscan at Schroder, 1302 Millville Avenue, on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM with Father Jim Widig officiating. Visitation will be held at Schroder on Saturday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made in George’s name to Stephen T. Badin High School or to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.