Gerhard Deddens, 89 years old passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. Born on February 10, 1931 in Scharrel, Germany, Gerhard completed his apprenticeship as a Master Baker in Germany before coming to the United States in 1953. Frank and Gesina Kramer of Kramer’s Bakery, asked Gerhard to continue with his trade education at their bakery in Sunman Indiana. As a German citizen, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1955. Because of his service in the Army, Gerhard was able to earn his U.S. citizenship. Gerhard fell in love with Frances Kramer and married her on June 18, 1960, the daughter of Kramer’s Bakery for whom he worked. That same year, Frances & Gerhard opened Deddens Bakery in Rushville, shortly thereafter moving the business to Sunman. Their specialty was donuts, coffee cakes, and wedding cakes. Frances & Gerhard were blessed to have four children, Rose, Christina, David and Lynn, who helped with the family business.
Together, Gerhard and Frances were always looking for opportunities to improve the community they loved. In addition to the Bakery, they opened a liquor store in St. Leon in 1978. This was just the start of other businesses that would follow. Gerhard, Frances, their daughter Christina and son David, opened Christina’s Restaurant in 1986. Other commercial properties followed in St. Leon including the business area of St. Leon Centrum and Christina Drive.
When Gerhard and Frances had time, they enjoyed traveling and attending German dances. Gerhard’s biggest love was his family. Frances loved to entertain and Gerhard loved to tell jokes so they made quite the pair. The other love Gerhard had was for America, his adopted homeland because of the many freedoms and opportunities provided here. He lived the American dream. Gerhard knew that success didn’t come easy; it took hard work and dedication and he exemplified that in everything he accomplished. It was this strong work ethic and love of God that Gerhard passed on to his children. Gerhard was a 70 year member of the Kolping Society, a parishioner of All Saints Parish and a member of the St. Joseph Legion Post 464.
Gerhard will be deeply missed by his children Rose Linton of Waterford, MI, son-in-law Steve Weigel of St. Leon, Dave (Michelle) Deddens of St. Leon, and Lynn Deddens of Sunman; his brother Theo (Lena) Deddens of Germany; and 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter along with nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Frances Deddens, daughter Christina Weigel, son-in-law Kenneth Linton, and five siblings in Germany.
Visitation for Gerhard will be on Friday, January 22 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at All Saints Parish Life Center in St. Leon, IN. Rosary will begin at 3:45. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 23 at 10:00am at St. Paul’s Church, All Saints Parish, in New Alsace, IN with Fr. Jonathan Meyer presiding. Burial will immediately follow. Memorials can be made to All Saints Parish or the Frances Deddens Memorial Scholarship. Memorials will be taken during the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47011. Please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the online guestbook or leave condolences.
In compliance with the Governor’s mandate regarding COVID-19, please remember the social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks. To comply with Dearborn County guidelines, we are following directives regarding large gatherings. Funeral home staff will be assisting with this so that everyone has a chance to pay their respects in a safe and reverent manner. For those that are not able to attend in person, Mass will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily.