David C. Gerkensmeyer

David C. Gerkensmeyer, 77, of Bloomington, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. He was born on May 23, 1944 in Hopewell, Virginia; the son of Earl and Valerie (Scott) Gerkensmeyer. David received a Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University and went on to obtain a Master of Science degree from Butler University. He retired from Perry Meridian High School after sharing his passion for biology with numerous students for 31 years. Following his retirement, David taught biology courses at colleges in both Indiana and Minnesota. David was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Indianapolis for most of his adult life and loved singing in the choir. He also was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais Minnesota and St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Bloomington. David stayed active and especially enjoyed running the Indianapolis Mini Marathon and cycling the Hilly Hundred, often with good friends and family by his side. At his core, David was an experienced outdoorsman who generously shared his passion for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with family and friends, ultimately purchasing a lake cabin there with his wife Jan and living out their wildest dreams for over 15 years. Those who were blessed to know David learned to love and respect the deep woods. David is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janis (Kercheval) Gerkensmeyer; children, Amy Ellen Roberts (Sean), Angela Joy Sledd, and Sarah Elizabeth Cullison (Andrew); grandchildren, Owen David Roberts, Brynn Everly Roberts, Ella Delia Sledd, Lily Irie Sledd, Simon Richard Cullison and Charles David Cullison. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ann Marie Theil. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 3800 E. Third St. Bloomington. Family will receive friends from 11am until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Wilderness Society, and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral services for David will be held in conjunction with services for his beloved wife, Janis Gerkensmeyer. Guests are welcome to join us virtually through Zoom with the directions below: Topic: David and Janis Gerkensmeyer's service 11/27/21 Time: Nov 27, 2021 12:00 PM Indiana (East) Join Zoom Meeting https://trincoll.zoom.us/j/92824164361 Meeting ID: 928 2416 4361 One tap mobile +19292056099,,92824164361# US (New York) +13017158592,,92824164361# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 928 2416 4361 Find your local number: https://trincoll.zoom.us/u/aduO0TCGF

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David C. Gerkensmeyer

May 23, 1944 - November 16, 2021