Robert L. Gernert

Robert L. Gernert, 74, of Lebanon, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday November 5, 2014 at his residence. He is survived by his wife Betty M. Blocher Gernert, with whom he celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this past October. Born in Lebanon on June 17, 1940, he was the son of the late Harry and Lillian Winklebleck Gernert, and had attended Cornwall High School. Robert was a life-long member of Quentin UCC, where he served on committees such as Outreach, LAOS, Indoor/Outdoor Maintenance Committees, and others. He also served as a deacon for two terms and as church elder. Robert was employed by Hershey Chocolate for 43 years and awarded the Certificate of Recognition. He was a proud union member and served as Union Representative for six years and attended union classes, graduating each year, for 18 years and received the Richard Z. Hindle Award in 2002. He was a truck driver for 31 years while at Hershey Chocolate, and later worked for Johnson and Johnson for eight years as well as S&H. Robert was in Boy Scout Troup #41 under Ralph Smith and volunteered with the Quentin Volunteer Fire Company. He attended county fire school and state fire school for 23 years. Robert was active six years as an engine driver, four years as Carnival Chairman and six years as membership chairman. He received the Lifetime Member Award of Quentin Volunteer Fire Company. Robert proudly served for 36 years as a member of the Quentin Roosevelt Lions Club and was a Key Member. He served as president for two terms, chaplain for eighteen terms, chairman of the Lebanon County Food Bank for eight years, zone chairman for eight years, as president of Lebanon County Sight for three terms, and as a board member of Northeast Eye Bank for eight years. He received PA Fellow Award from District 14-D for Meritorious Support and the Melvin Jones Award from Quentin Roosevelt Lion Club. Robert greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed working in the yard, traveling the country, antique cars and tractors, boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, walking, motorcycle riding, model trains, and conversation. He was a member of the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, Lebanon Valley Antique Tractor Club, and the Quittaphahilla Rod & Gun Club. Surviving in addition to his wife is a son Rodney Gernert of Lebanon, a daughter Rhonda and husband William Britting of Lebanon, grandchildren Bobbi and Dakota Britting, a brother Earl Gernert of Manheim and Sterling Gernert of Quentin. He was preceded in death by a his brothers and sisters Elizabeth Fedder, Thomas Gernert, Dorothy VanSyoc, Harry Gernert, Eugene Gernert, Arlene Gingrich and Gerald Gernert. Memorial services will be held on Saturday November 15, 2014 at 11AM from the Quentin United Church of Christ, 11 E. Main Street, Quentin. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be a time of visitation from 10AM – 11AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Robert’s memory to his church.

Robert L. Gernert

June 17, 1940 - November 5, 2014