John E. Gerber, Sr., 77, of Eau Claire died Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at his home. He was born in Eau Claire on March 28, 1926, the son of James and Mary (Eschler) Gerber. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the class of 1944.\r\nHe was stationed in Hawaii with the U.S. Navy during WWII.\r\nJohn married Arlene M. Belden on June 15, 1947 in Eau Claire.\r\nHe worked as a salesman for heating and air conditioning companies until his retirement. John was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Arlene; two sons, John Jr. (Nancy) of Rice Lake, and Michael (Marcela) of Dallas, TX; two daughters, Deborah Anderson of Atascadero, CA, and Shannon (Timothy) Grossklaus of Wisconsin Rapids; ten grandchildren, Cindy (Kyle) Benson, Matt (Randi) Gerber, David Gerber, Jacqueline Gerber, Vanessa Gerber, Carrie Anderson, Stephanie Anderson, Megan Grossklaus, Katherine Grossklaus and Dayln Grossklaus; five great grandchildren, Cole Benson, McKenna Benson, Grant Gerber, Noah Anderson, and Alex Grossklaus.\r\nPreceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Casper, Byron, James and Thomas; and six sisters, Hattie Nelson, Emiline Sunday, Marion Mai, Julia Peterson, Elizabeth Baker, and Jeanette Sturgis.\r\nMemorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2004 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastors Paul D. L. Oppedahl and Larry Sturgis officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Monday at the church.

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