Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Bickert, 83, of Crestline, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Crestline Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 28, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Henry and Margarete (Sharp) Bickert. At just two months old after the passing of his mother, Jerry moved to Crestline to be raised by his grandmother, Francis Sharp, and later by his Aunt Florence.
Jerry attended Crestline High School, class of 1959. After high school, he attended Mansfield Business College.
In 1963, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and served his Country Honorably during the Vietnam war until 1965.On August 20, 1966, Jerry married Catherine “Kate” (Wiebe), and together they shared many years of love and companionship. Kate survives in Crestline.
Jerry spent 45 years working at PPG in Crestline, working in the shipping and manufacturing department until his retirement. Jerry also spent 10 years serving on the city council. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 2920, Crestline, in which he served on the Color Guard team for many years. He was also on the building committee for St. Joseph School. While his sons were growing up, Jerry was a little league coach for football and baseball, as well as a 4H Advisor. Many knew Jerry as the coach with the pick up truck full of kids, driving them to and from games and practices. Occasionally, he would stop to treat them with ice cream. He was an avid golfer, enjoying the outdoors. Jerry could always be found cheering for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and OSU Buckeyes.
In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his four sons: Matt (Shelia) Bickert of Crestline, Eric (Jo Marie) Bickert of Madison, Ryon (Erin) Bickert of Galion, and Marshal (Jennifer) Bickert of Arizona; grandchildren: Regan (Brad) Sullivan, Kale Bickert, Jacob Bickert, Andrew Bickert, Madeline Bickert, Danielle Toney, Stephen (Karcey) Coffman, Nathan (Abbey) Coffman; and great-grandchildren: Lively, Myles, Grace, Claire, Savannah, Annalisa, Luna.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 331 N Thoman St, Crestline, with Father Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, where full military honors will be rendered. Following the graveside service, the family extends an invitation to join them at the VFW Post 2920, Crestline, for a celebration of Jerry’s life.
Those wishing to share a memory of Jerry or send condolences to the Bickert family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Bickert.
Funeral Home: Mark A. Schneider-Gompf
Website: www.masfh.com