Steven Jay Gerber, 55

Steven Jay Gerber, 55, of Kidron, OH passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 17, 2023, after week-long complications during recovery, after a difficult mitral valve surgery.

Steven was born on January 26, 1968, to Glenford and Lillian Gerber of Kidron, OH. After graduating from Dalton High School in 1986, he went on to study engineering at Goshen College and construction at ATI in Wooster, OH.

In 1988, Steven met Ana L. Vargas Sibaja in San Jose, CR on a language study abroad trip and later married her at Kidron Mennonite Church on June 16, 1990. He loved to continually learn “Costa Rican” Spanish and their culture.

Steven worked for 34 years at the family business Gerber Lumber & Hardware and then became Manager of Gerber Wood Products. He was a financial advisor for the Wood Component Manufacturers Association and was actively involved in learning and teaching leading edge techniques in wood manufacturing technology.

Steven was an intuitive innovator and enjoyed pushing the limits of experimenting with new materials for practical solutions. He could be found in his lab space during his time off, working on hobbies such as woodworking and model rocketry. He was also an avid birder and skilled photographer enjoying nature, hikes, and traveling.

Steven was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and served his family and community utilizing his practical abilities. For many years, he invested himself at the Kidron Historical Society and Kidron Mennonite Church.

Anyone who knew Steven knew that he was the most helpful, loving father, and spouse a family could ask for. Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian and his father, Glenford. He is survived by his wife Ana; daughter, Laura (Chris Boggs, granddaughter Selena); son, Daniel; sister, Cindy (Tim Ryder); and his brother Eugene Gerber (Tammy).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Kidron Mennonite Church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  There will be no formal calling hours, but the family will receive friends following the services in the Fellowship Building of the church.  Spidell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidron Community Historical Society, P.O. Box 234, Kidron, OH 44636 or The Wilderness Center, P.O. Box 202, Wilmot, OH 44689.