Gerald P. VanderHorst, 90, St. Marys, Ohio died 8:00 p.m. Wednesday (11-23) at Maria Joseph Living Care Center in Dayton, Ohio.

He was born September 9, 1926 in St. Marys, Ohio to Harry and Clara (Schrimpf) VanderHorst. On October 11, 1947 in St. Henry, Ohio he married Mildred B. Fullenkamp, who survives.

Also survived by: daughter Christine (Patrick) McGuire of Roanoke, VA; son Michael VanderHorst of St. Marys, OH; son Nicholas (Shelley) VanderHorst of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter Lisa (Derrick) Smith of Vandalia, OH; 4 grandchildren: John McGuire, Michael McGuire, Stacy Klosterman, Sara Osterholt; 4 great-grandchildren: Michaela Osterholt, Paisley Osterholt, Lucy McGuire, Betty McGuire.

Preceded in death by: parents Harry and Clara VanderHorst; brother Harrison VanderHorst; brother Thomas VanderHorst; brother Richard VanderHorst. He was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1944).

A veteran of the United States Navy, he proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific on the USS LST-1064, USS LST 990, and USS San Bernardino. Jerry was the owner of VanderHorst Builders and Realty Co. in St. Marys and was recognized on the National Board of Realtors. He built numerous quality homes, apartments, office buildings, and developed The Barton Medical center. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, parish council, and former president of PTA for Holy Rosary school. Jerry will be missed by his fellow comrades at the American Legion and VFW. He and his wife, Mildred spent many winters at their home in Fort. Myers, Florida. While there, Jerry served as president of the condominium association for The Landings Yacht, Golf, and Racquet Club. Continuing his countless charitable acts, he dedicated his time and talents to Habitat for Humanity in the Fort Myers area. His favorite pastimes included golfing, deep-sea fishing, smoking cigars and having a beer with his friends. His loyalty, compassion, and integrity will never be forgotten by those who loved him. Jerry will be remembered as a hard-working and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was well known as a devoted servant to his church, community, and country. 

A private Mass of Christian Burial for the family is scheduled to begin 11:00 a.m. Monday November 28, 2016 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 511 E. Spring Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Barry Stechschulte, celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Miller Funeral Homes in St. Marys.