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- Gerhardt Walter Riemer, age 91, passed away July 4, 2020, in Buffalo General Hospital following a short illness. He was born December 11, 1928, in Medina to Paul and Gertrude (Voigt) Riemer and had lived in this area his entire life.
Gerhardt was a US Army veteran serving in the Army Ordnance Corps in Yuma, AZ.
A mechanical engineer with a degree from Valparaiso University, his last job was his favorite at Roemac Industrial Sales, Inc. in North Tonawanda. He was a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Wolcottsville and enjoyed serving in many capacities within the church over the years, especially Sunday School Superintendent, Bible study leader, and leadership in the Lutheran Laymen's League. Gerhardt cared very deeply about his family and found great pleasure in being with them. Gerhardt and Betty were very active in family reunions and in working to keep the extended family close and connected.
But Gerhardt cared most deeply about sharing this wonderful news with his family and anyone else who would listen: that because Jesus loves us so much He died and rose from the dead to pay the price for our sin so that we could live with Him forever. To the very end of his life, Gerhardt was reminding his children, "God is taking care of me." He was so grateful that because of Jesus there is now no condemnation for us (Romans 8:1) and we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:28-39) despite our own sin, despite the suffering in this world, and despite death itself.
Gerhardt chose two other Bible verses to share with his loved ones. The first verse expressed God's faithful care in the midst of this world's trouble. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling... The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-3, 7) The second verse demonstrates Gerhardt's lifelong grateful and joyful response to being given this kind of peace in the midst of this world's troubles, and also expresses how much he was looking forward to eternity with His Savior. "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" (Psalm 122:1)
Gerhardt was predeceased by his wife, Betty Jane; a brother, David Riemer; and his sister, Eunice Foote.
He is survived by his children, Debra (Bill) Trowbridge, Marcia (David) Webster, Timothy (Kristin) Riemer, Mary (Daniel) Hahn, Susan (Alex) Knowles, Michael Riemer; his brother, Martin Riemer; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours on Friday, August 14th, 4-7 PM with Funeral Services on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 AM. Livestream video is also planned for those who are unable to attend in person, all at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 6377 Wolcottsville Rd., Akron, NY, 14001. Committal at St. Michael's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael's Lutheran Church and Preschool.
To share a special memory, visit mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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