Howard and Ada (Schlegel) Gerber

Howard Gerber was born in 1934 in Wilmot Township, the son of Emanuel and Clara Ann (Schlabach) Gerber. He had two brothers and seven sisters. Howard attended public school in New Hamburg and then S. S. No. 5 Blanford, graduating from grade 8. Howard farmed with his father and brothers, and later his sons, in Oxford County. Howard’s family attended the Cassel Amish Mennonite Church and Deitsch was the first language of the home. 

Ada (Schlegel) Gerber was born in 1934 at Concession 17, Lot 29, in East Zorra Township, the daughter of Ezra and Violet (Zehr) Schlegel. She had three sisters and one brother, and Deitsch was the first language of the home. Ada attended S. S. No. 7, Facey’s Public School, and graduated from grade 8. She enjoyed farm work. Ada met Howard Gerber at church. They were married in 1957 and had two sons and ine daughter. They were part of the daily operation of the dairy farm until 2002, when they moved to New Hamburg. Ada and Howard were lifelong members of the Cassel Mennonite Church where Howard served as an elder and Ada was active in the sewing circle. In retirement, Howard delivered car parts and Ada enjoyed quiltmaking. Howard died in 2023 at the age of 88 and Ada passed away a year later at the age of 89.