Obituaries
Jerry B. Gravenhorst
June 13, 2025
Jerome “Jerry” B Gravenhorst, age 93, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Admiral’s Pointe in Huron.
Jerry was born on September 3, 1931, at the old Norwalk Hospital on Main Street to the late Hugo and Madeline (Wetzel) Gravenhorst. He was a 1949 graduate of Sandusky High School. On January 21, 1961, he married the love of his life, Phyllis J. (Laux) Gravenhorst, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Jerry began his career farming for Fred Deering and later joined EHOVE Joint Vocational School in Milan, Ohio, where he worked in the Maintenance Department until his retirement in 2004.
A man of strong faith, Jerry was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroeville and later attended St. Paul Catholic Church in Norwalk. He was a proud member of the Monroeville Knights of Columbus, where he held several officer positions. Well known throughout the community, Jerry was famous for his chicken BBQs—earning the nickname “The Chicken Man” after more than 50 years of cooking. He also had a passion for music and led a dance band called “The Diamonds,” where he called square dances for many local events.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Bernadette Zientek and Rose Marie Leroux; his infant brother, Frederick; and his in-laws, Bob and Florence Laux.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis Gravenhorst; daughters, Donna (Michael) Schuessler of Bowling Green and Karen (Paul) Schlotterer of Norwalk; grandchildren, Adam Schaffer, Nicholas (Kelsey) Schuessler, Cory Schaffer, Katie Schuessler, and Sabrina (Hunter) Dye; five great-grandchildren: Ava, Lyla, Nola, Peyton, and Austin; five step-grandchildren and their spouses; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, with Fr. Recker officiating. Private interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroeville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 9501 U.S. Highway 250 N, Suite 2, Milan, OH 44846, St. Paul Catholic Church or Norwalk Catholic School, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857 or St. Joseph Endowment Fund, 79 Chapel St., Monroeville, OH 44847
The family wishes to thank the staff at Admiral’s Pointe for their compassionate care. Jerry will be remembered for his deep love of family and faith, his famous chicken BBQs, and the jokes that always made people laugh.
Jerry B. Gravenhorst
June 13, 2025
Jerome “Jerry” B Gravenhorst, age 93, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Admiral’s Pointe in Huron.
Jerry was born on September 3, 1931, at the old Norwalk Hospital on Main Street to the late Hugo and Madeline (Wetzel) Gravenhorst. He was a 1949 graduate of Sandusky High School. On January 21, 1961, he married the love of his life, Phyllis J. (Laux) Gravenhorst, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Jerry began his career farming for Fred Deering and later joined EHOVE Joint Vocational School in Milan, Ohio, where he worked in the Maintenance Department until his retirement in 2004.
A man of strong faith, Jerry was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroeville and later attended St. Paul Catholic Church in Norwalk. He was a proud member of the Monroeville Knights of Columbus, where he held several officer positions. Well known throughout the community, Jerry was famous for his chicken BBQs—earning the nickname “The Chicken Man” after more than 50 years of cooking. He also had a passion for music and led a dance band called “The Diamonds,” where he called square dances for many local events.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Bernadette Zientek and Rose Marie Leroux; his infant brother, Frederick; and his in-laws, Bob and Florence Laux.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis Gravenhorst; daughters, Donna (Michael) Schuessler of Bowling Green and Karen (Paul) Schlotterer of Norwalk; grandchildren, Adam Schaffer, Nicholas (Kelsey) Schuessler, Cory Schaffer, Katie Schuessler, and Sabrina (Hunter) Dye; five great-grandchildren: Ava, Lyla, Nola, Peyton, and Austin; five step-grandchildren and their spouses; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, with Fr. Recker officiating. Private interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroeville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 9501 U.S. Highway 250 N, Suite 2, Milan, OH 44846, St. Paul Catholic Church or Norwalk Catholic School, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857 or St. Joseph Endowment Fund, 79 Chapel St., Monroeville, OH 44847
The family wishes to thank the staff at Admiral’s Pointe for their compassionate care. Jerry will be remembered for his deep love of family and faith, his famous chicken BBQs, and the jokes that always made people laugh.