Frederick "Fred" Gessner

Frederick “Fred” Gessner,  74  years of age, and a longtime resident of Amherst, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, February 22, 2021 in Lorain, while surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Fred was born August 1, 1946 in Amherst to the late Charles and Emily Gessner.  He graduated from Firelands High School with the class of 1965.

Fred was a welder by trade who worked at American Shipbuilding  from 1965 to 1983 and he retired from General Motors in 2012.  Fred proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970.  During his service he did two overseas tours to both Korea and Ethiopia.

Fred grew up in Brownhelm where he was a member of 4H for six years.  He enjoyed the Lorain County Fair, car shows and was an avid collector and owned several antique cars.

Fred’s greatest joy came from the time he spent with his wife of forty-two years Gail Gessner (nee: Bowling).  The two of them built a beautiful family which enjoyed lots of love and laughter.  Fred was adored by his six grandchildren who he showered with time and attention.  They are left with loving memories of dancing in the kitchen and being cheered on at their sporting events.  

Fred is survived by his wife Gail of Amherst, children Matthew Gessner (Elizabeth) of Elyria, Kim Dobbins (Mel) of Amherst, Kari Raack (Justin) of Sheffield Lake and Jonathan Gessner (Adrianne) of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Emerson Dobbins, Gavin Dobbins, Nolan Raack, Kendal Dobbins, Amelia Raack, and Landrie Gessner; brother Chuck Gessner (Judy) of Hoggenville, KY, and sister Diane Valerius  of Vermilion; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Emily Gessner (nee: Romero); his sister Christine Feldkamp and brother in law Ed Valerius.

Public visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Hempel Funeral Home  by reservation at https://signup.com/go/JCeAzNO  or by phoning the funeral home at 440-988-4451 during business hours of 9-5.   Rebroadcasting of services will be available at   http://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/ . The Rev. William Kopas, pastor of Camden Baptist Church, will officiate.  Burial will take place at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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