Jerald D. Wilhelm, 75, Amherst Fire Department Member

Born May 4, 1926 in Amherst he was raised in Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School in the class of 1944. He has been a lifelong resident of Amherst.

He served in the US Army during World War II with the 5th Calvary Reconnaissance Troop. He received the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was employed for 22 years at Standard Oil in Elyria. He also worked for 18 years at Penton Imports/KTM Motorcycles retiring in 1988. He was a member of the Amherst Fire Department for 44 years retiring in 1996. During his time with the fire department, he also served as the Fire chief. He officiated high school football and basketball games in Northern Ohio for 18 years. Jerald was a member of the Old Stone Methodist Church in Amherst; Senior Citizens of Amherst; the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #1662; the American Legion #118, the Amherst City Golf League; and the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard. He enjoyed gardening, golfing and traveling.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Ruth (nee: Ficht) Wilhelm; daughters, Janis Squires of Amherst, and Joan Wojtala of Seven Hills; son, James of Amherst, four grandchildren; two great grandchildren, brothers, John "Jack" and William Wilhelm both of Amherst; sisters Patricia Young of Florida and Kathleen Jane Nesbit of South Amherst.

He was preceded in death by hip parents, John and Lillian (nee Mitchell) Wilhelm and his brother, James F. Wilhelm in 1997.

Friends may call Tuesday, November 27, 2001 2-4 an d7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, November 28, 2001 from 12-1 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will be performing a service on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services with military honors by the Amherst Military Honor Guard will be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Peter Kerlin, pastor of Old Stone United Methodist Church, Amherst, will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Amherst Public Library; 221 Spring St., Amherst, OH 44001 or Old Stone United Methodist Church, 553 S. Main Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001.