Wilmer J. Gerber, 95, of Bluffton, and formerly of rural Decatur, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, Feb. 9, 2026, at Christian Care Retirement Community.
Wilmer was born in Adams County on Jan. 29, 1931, the youngest son of Lewis and Julia (Maller) Gerber.
He was born on the family farm, where he lived until 2004, when he and his wife Clara moved to Christian Care in Bluffton.
On Feb. 14, 1954, Wilmer married the love of his life, Clara Baumgartner, in Bluffton. They shared nearly 57 years of marriage before Clara passed away on Jan. 2, 2011.
Wilmer was a life-long member of the Apostolic Christian Church. He attended Kirkland High School in Adams County and was a dairy, livestock and grain farmer for 45 years. After farming, Wilmer worked at Big R in Decatur for several years, followed by seven years at J & R Products in Craigville. At that time, Wilmer became a caregiver for his wife Clara until her passing in 2011.
Survivors include a son, Darryl (Jinny) Gerber of Bluffton; three grandsons, Aaron (Cassie) Gerber, David (Alejandra) Gerber and Philip (Janean) Gerber; along with eight great-grandchildren, Corrie, Claire, Elliot, Emma, Oliver, Mayve, Emberton and Madden.
In addition to his parents and wife, Wilmer was preceded in death by three brothers, (infant) Robert, Harry and Frederick Gerber; along with two sisters, Devona Longenberger and Marie Kipfer.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Church East, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.
Brent Kaehr and John Reinhard will officiate. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Adams County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Care Retirement Community.
Online condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com.