WACHSMANN, Gerhard Michael (Jerry)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/24/2012 Gerhard Michael (Jerry) Wachsmann was born in Miercurea, Romania on the 8th day of April in the year of our Lord 1927. He was the youngest of two children born to Michael and Sara (nee) Sadler Wachsmann. On May 30, 1927, Jerry became a child of God through the sacrament of Holy Baptism which was conducted at the fortified church of Miercurea, Sibiului, Romania. The Wachsmann family belonged to the Transylvania Saxon community which had resided in the region since the 12th century. When Jerry was 3 years of age, his family moved from Romania to Toronto, Canada where they resided for seven years. The Wachsmann family then moved to Cleveland, Ohio where they joined the large Transylvania Saxon Community. Jerry made his public profession of his faith and became a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, being confirmed June 1, 1941. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in WWII. He later joined the U.S. Army where he served as a captain during the Korean War. After returning from serving his country Jerry became a builder of custom homes in Tucson. When they moved to Tucson, Jerry and his parents became members of Grace Lutheran Church. Jerry, in the summer months, along with the love of his life, Dottie Kaiser, was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakeside. “Our gracious Lord, called Jerry to his heavenly home Dec. 28, 2011, after suffering many years with Parkinson’s disease. There was given to Gerhard Michael Wachsmann a time of grace on this earth of 84 years, eight months and 20 days. So teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” He is survived by Dottie; two nieces: Diana Deasy of Jackson, Calif., and Laurel Brown of Fairfax, Va.; great nieces Valerie Volkar and Jennifer Barbero; and great-nephew Patrick Volkar; and three great-great-nephews and niece. His Christian funeral was held at Grace in Tucson Jan. 3, conducted by Pastors, Rev. Samuel Clemons of Tucson and Rev. Gerald Ditter of Pinetop.