Gerald F. Schildgen

Gerald F. Schildgen, age 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Grant Regional Health Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 31, 1931, on the family farm in Beetown Township, the son of H. Ernest and Hazel (Weimer) Schildgen. Gerald graduated from Lancaster High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Florence M. Kirschbaum on November 21, 1953, and together they owned and operated the Schildgen family farm. In 1983, they moved to Lancaster. Florence preceded Gerald in death on January 2, 2015. He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and enjoyed farming, fishing, playing Quarters and cards, especially Solitaire. Gerald dearly loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children: Dan (Kim) Schildgen and their children: Eric (Maggie), Greg (Jenn), Paul (Michelle) Schildgen, and Rachel (Jesse) Mumm; Elaine (Larry) Mumm and their children: Steve (Katie), Andy (Nikki), and Dan (Mariah McKay) Mumm; Gary (Sandy) Schildgen and their children: David (Keslee Martin), Brad (Whitney), and Jacob Schildgen; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sally (Joe) Langkamp; his in-laws: Ray (Joanne) Kirschbaum; Lois Vorwald; Bae Ruth and Marcia Kirschbaum; Robert Olson; other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Florence, Gerald was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol; a granddaughter, Stephanie; his siblings: Marie Olson and Joseph (Drucilla) Schildgen; his in-laws: Elmer Fenzau; Larry Drew; Lavern, Carol, Walter (Donna) and Norman Kirschbaum; Dorothy (Donald) Fredrick; and Virgil Vorwald.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Reverend William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Gerald F. Schildgen Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with his care.