Delmar Gerhardt Gerth, 92 "years young" (as he liked to say), of Montgomery, passed away peacefully at home with family beside him on January 16, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born in Kearney, NE on June 1, 1923, the son of Rev. Paul and Louise Gerth. In 1944, Del joined the Army and was stationed outside of Paris. Del proudly served as the chaplain's assistant. He spent time working at the stockade "turning lives around." After service, Del met the love of his life, Mary Ann Berg in November of 1947; their first date was over 15 cent coffees at the Sugar Bowl Restaurant. They were joyfully united on June 19, 1948. Married for 67 years, Del and Mary raised their family in Palatine. In 1980 they relocated to West Melbourne, FL, working for another ten years and then retiring there until 2007 when they returned to Illinois. Del spent most of his working years as a precision instrument maker, refining lenses for the cinemascope camera, the iris blades for Project Surveyor, lenses for copy machines, and eventually the T.O.E. sites for military tanks. Once he retired, Del enjoyed working in the yard, volunteering both in the cancer library at Holmes Regional Hospital and as a presenter for Aid Association for Lutherans, helping people plan for their own retirement. Del enjoyed spending time with his family, especially camping in northern Wisconsin. He also loved tinkering in his workshop, creating lamps, toys, and a multitude of other projects. Del has always loved music, singing and serving the Lord. He and Mary sang in the Lutheran Choir of Chicago in their early married life. Later on, Del was the choir director at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. His children remember him leading them singing around the campfire. Del was honored to be a greeter, usher and reader at church. He had his own special way of welcoming people to the Lord's Table for communion. In 2008, Del went on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II memorial. He returned to Midway Airport over 30 times to welcome back subsequent flights. Del was a member of VFW Post 7452 and American Legion Post 84. He proudly served as the VFW Post Chaplain and was on the Honor Guard. Del was a friend to all, and a stranger to none. Once you met him, you were hooked. Whether it was a story about his faith, his family, his woodworking, or his service to our country, you wanted to hear what he had to say. His contagious smile and positive attitude rubbed off on all those around him. Surviving Del are his wife Mary and his six children, David Gerth; Melbourne, FL, Sharon (Skip) Jay; Indio, CA, Mark (Rose) Gerth; Hampshire, Robert Gerth; Belvidere, Luann Gerth; Montgomery, and Robin (Bryan) Slinkard; Joliet. Del had 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. With all of their spouses, Del's family numbers 61. Del is also survived by his brother Richard Gerth of Kissimmee, FL. Del's celebration of life funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 20, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 63 Fernwood, Montgomery, IL with Reverend Peter Hoffman officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 9:00-10:00 prior to the service. Burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Friends may call from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church or The Lutheran Hour Ministries. For information: 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com