Deanna L. Gerken, age 78 years, of Archbold, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 27, 2016, at Fulton Manor Nursing Home in Wauseon. She was born April 12, 1937, at Wauseon, the daughter of Orlen and Marie Burkholder, and married Harlan Gerken on April 11, 1959. A lifelong resident of the Archbold area, she was a homemaker and waitress in local restaurants. She enjoyed camping and snowmobiling, and was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Archbold.

She is survived by her husband, Harlan; three children, Jodi (Scott) Bernath of Evansport, Tom (Jodi) Gerken of Archbold, and Jill (Dave) Helton of Defiance; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rita (Darwin) Beck of Ridgeville Corners.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Don Burkholder and Bob Burkholder.

Services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 AM at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Father Stephen Stanbury officiating. Interment will follow in the Archbold Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Peter's Catholic Church fellowship hall from 2-8 PM on Tuesday.  The family suggests that memorials be given to Great Lakes Hospice, Alzheimer's Association or the donor's favorite charity.