Lester "Les" R. Gerber, 86, passed away Thursday afternoon, May 5, 2022, at Christian Care Retirement Community in Bluffton, following a short illness.

Les was born in Bluffton, IN. on May 4, 1936, to Elmer and Emma (Sinn) Gerber, both parents preceded him in death. He married Rosemary (Hartzler) in Rittman, Ohio on June 15, 1958, she survives in Bluffton, IN.

Les graduated from Adams Central High School. He was the founder and operator of the Les Gerber Insurance Agency in Bluffton and was a Licensed Insurance Agent for 54 years. Les was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. He enjoyed walking and putting together puzzles and word searches and  volunteering with the delivery of meals at Christian Care Retirement Center.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, a son; Perry (Stephanie) Gerber of Craigville, IN, three daughters; Peggy (Derryl) Aschliman of Decatur, IN, Jennifer (Jim) Fiechter of Berne, IN and Lynn (Brad) Fiechter of Bluffton; 10 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 3 brothers; Donald (Mary) Gerber of Decatur, Earl (Pat) Gerber of Bluffton and Dale (Carol) Gerber of Ossian, three sisters; Carolyn Roberts of Bluffton, Pauline (Larry) Gerber of Ft. Wayne, and Lois (Harry T.) Gerber of Bluffton.

In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by two grandchildren; Stacy Fiechter and Byron Aschliman, one great grandchild; Corrie Anne Drayer, one sister; Kathy Clough, and three brothers; Carroll, Paul and Elmer Gerber Jr.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM. at the Apostolic Christian Church East in Bluffton. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at the Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, and on Wednesday,  one hour prior to the service at the church. Lynn Fiechter and Mark Gerber will officiate. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery.

In leu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to be directed to Christian Care Retirement Community or Harvest Call.