John Gerwin Obituary

John Lewis "Digger" Gerwin

John Lewis "Digger" Gerwin, 100, of Fremont, passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Digger was born Feb. 14, 1924, in Gibsonburg, to Lawrence and Juanita (Ottney) Gerwin.

Digger's survivors include two sons, Chris Rollins of Findlay and Fred Rollins of Tiffin; four grandchildren, Tina (Ben) Juarez, Tim (Teena) Fate, Jaime (Jared) Martin, and Jon (Jessica) Rollins; and nine great-grandchildren, Jenna and Jackson Juarez, Terron and Alani Morrow, Hunter, Cole, Brayden and Harper Martin, and Jaelyn Barnwell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Roelle; and two brothers, William and James Gerwin.

After graduating from Bettsville High School in 1942, Digger served in U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Later, Digger would spend the rest of his employment as an excavator, giving his skills to anybody who needed them. Digger was an animal lover and had many dogs and cats, his best friend being a rather rotund pug named Chico.

Digger spent his final 12 years living with this granddaughter, Tina Juarez, and her husband, Ben, and his great-grandchildren, Jenna and Jackson. He was deeply devoted to his family. Digger spent every possible moment with purpose, helping to get his great-grandchildren off the bus, walking his animals, and cleaning up whatever his eyes could see. A comedian at every moment, he made his family laugh and will continue to provide happy memories "from this world to the next."

Graveside services for Digger will be at Kansas Cemetery at a later date.

Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin, is assisting family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky County Dog Warden.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.