Terry Lee Gernert

          Terry L. Gernert, age 73, of Mildred, PA, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, after an 8 month battle with pancreatic cancer, at his home with his adoring wife of 54 years, his loving family,  and his faithful dog, Tig, at his side.

          Terry was born on September 30, 1946, in Lebanon, PA, a son of the late Harry Jr. & Lorraine Mae Hoke Gernert.  He graduated from the Lebanon High School, where he met the love of his life, the former Pauline Eilene Petruska.  They began a 54-year marriage on January 15, 1966.  They lived their life as an example of unconditional love, commitment, and laughter with their family.

          As a young man, Terry worked as a miner at the Cornwall Iron ore mines, which later became Bethlehem Steel.  He retired from there in the 1980’s. After retirement Terry fulfilled a dream of owning his own business, starting TL Gernert Building and Remodeling, where he used his skills in carpentry and woodworking.

          Terry was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He shared his passion of the outdoors with his wife and family.  Terry never missed an archery or rifle season until he began chemo in 2019.  He rarely failed to “bag a buck.” 

Always the jokester, Terry was known for his huge sense of humor and pranks that he played on his family and friends. He filled every room with laughter and loved to tell a good story.  He never lost his sense of humor and was a favorite of the nurses and medical staff everywhere he went.

          Terry found great comfort in the Catholic Church, where he had a strong faith.

Surviving:

Spouse:

Pauline Eilene Gernert                                      at home

Three daughters and sons-in-law:

Michelle Denise Robinson & fiancé Steven B Valentine

Rebekah Anne Gernert

Teri Lea (Charles Henry) Swoyer Jr.

Brothers:

Dale (Susie) Gernert

Darv Germert

Doug (Sue) Gernert

Perry (Deb) Gernert

Sisters:

Linda Kane

Beverly Gernert

Ten grandchildren:

Kelsey E. Robinson (Zachariah J. Halpin)

Paige O. (D. Matt) Ferrick

Kathryn R. Robinson

Daniel M. Dishong (Brittany Sternberg)

Brandon J. Gernert

Robyn L. (Allen M) McBride

Jason A. Gernert

Elizabeth J. Gernert

Samantha G. Swoyer

Molly C. Swoyer

Seven great-grandchildren:

Kaiah

Baylor

Payton

Lacey

Kylee

Kadyn

Aurora

          He was predeceased by his brother Edward Harry Gernert, and his great-grandson, Jude Kipp Halpin.

          A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, after the national health crisis.

          Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA.

          To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com