Jeffrey K Gerz

Jeffrey K. Gerz, 73, surrounded by his loving family, passed through the gates of heaven on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to receive his reward for living a life of honesty, kindness and for being the best man he could possibly be. Jeff was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1952 to the late Robert and Gloria Jean Gerz. He graduated from Penn State University in 1974 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and was hired immediately at Goodyear Atomic plant in Piketon, Ohio, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. He then became the babysitter for our granddaugters Elizabeth and Rebecca while our daughter Kelli attended nursing school. He always said that it was the best job he ever had.

Jeff is survived by his one true love, Paulette, and they shared 46 years together. During those years, they were both committed to helping out the community they loved, serving on many boards and local charity groups including: the Chillicothe Jaycees, Chillicothe Elks, United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kiwanis, JCI Senators and several others. They were 41 year members of the Chillicothe Country Club, serving on several committees over the years. Jeff loved to golf, play bridge and visit casinos, but his favorite thing was Family Day Sundays where lots of games were played and all day snacking took place. He was also an excellent dancer.

Jeff also leaves behind daughters, Kelli (David) Coffey, Kristi (Phil) Coen, and bonus daughter, Lynne (Matt) Robinson, all of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Rebecca Coffey, of Chillicothe, Alexis (Lawson) and Jeremy Gerz of Alva, Florida, and Olivia Robinson, of Chillicothe; daughter-in-law, Jessica Gerz, of Alva, Florida; sister-in-law, Debbie Gerz, of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania; step father, Garnett (Knip) Knippenberg, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Joe) Wilson, of Xenia, Patti (Mike) Readenour of West Chester, Mary (Logan) Wilburn, of Lake Placid, Florida, Marian (Jeff) Black, of Clarksburg, Mary Chaffin, of Chillicothe; and brother-in-law, Jess (Vivian) Wood, of New Holland. Jeff is survived by many nieces and nephews; special friends, Dorsey Hudson, Jean Barker, Amey VanVoorhis, his Jaycee buddies, bridge friends, and dinner club friends.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his son Jeremy Gerz; in-laws, Floyd and Ella Jean Wood; brother, Scott Gerz; brothers-in-law, Sonny, Howard, Charles Wood, Carroll (Tike) Chaffin and Lester Dunn; sisters-in-law, Dixie Wood and Nancy Coy; and his best friend Mark Mentges.

Friends may visit the family at Haller Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm with Reverend Melonie Valentine officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

I lost the best man I've ever known - Paulette