Delores June Bernath, age 85 years, of Wauseon, went to be with her heavenly Father Saturday, January 20, 2018.  She was born June 6, 1932 at her home in Okolona, Ohio, the daughter of Theodore and Ida (Meienburg) Gerken.  She was baptized on June 26, 1932 and confirmed on June 10, 1945 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Okolona.

Delores had a gentle spirit and was always humble in her service to the Lord, family and friends.  She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  After graduation from Florida, Ohio High School, she worked at Okolona Lumber Company, and then the Community Bank in Napoleon.  On November 7, 1954 Delores married Eugene D. Bernath, who preceded her in death on June 21, 2015.

As a homemaker, Delores enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, canning, sewing, mending, quilting and doing the farm bookkeeping.  She was also a compassionate caregiver to her husband in his later years.   Gene and Delores also enjoyed their long time monthly card club.

Delores was a devout member of the St. James Lutheran Church, Ladies Society, Adult Choir, LWML, and Walther League.

She is survived by five children:  Daniel (Diane) of Archbold, David (Judy) of Indianapolis, Jan (Linda) Bernath of Archbold, James (Deb) of Wauseon, and Julie (Joe) Tourney of Dallas Lake, Indiana; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren plus one on the way; sister, Anna Marie (Norm) Behnfeldt, sister-in-laws, Emilie Gerken, Beverly Wanemacher, and brother-in-law, Rev. Gary (Carol) Bernath.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Wilhelm and Victor Gerken, and her husband of 60 years, Eugene.

Services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. James Lutheran Church with Pastor James C. Strawn officiating.  Interment will follow in St. James Lutheran Cemetery.  Friends may call at Short Funeral Home in Archbold from 3-8 PM on Friday.  The family suggests memorials be given to St. James Lutheran Church, Luther Mission Society, or the Defiance Area Hospice.