Gerald A. Kehres, age 96, resident of New Washington, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at The Willows at Willard surrounded by his loving and faithful family. He was born on September 13, 1929 to the late Louis A. and Genevieve A. (Heydinger) Kehres in New Washington, Ohio.
A New Washington High School graduate, Gerald went to work for Mansfield Brass in New Washington until 1986. He then went on to work for the New Washington Herald until his final retirement. A devout member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in New Washington, Gerald was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
He took great pride in his garden; the produce he raised not only filled his family’s table but he often shared with his community, a quiet testament to his hardworking nature and giving spirit. In earlier years, Gerald never missed a morning round at Cranberry Hills or the opportunity to play a good game of euchre. At the end of the day, he was most proud and thankful for his big, beautiful family and all of the treasured memories he made with them.
Gerald is survived by his two children, Mike (Andrea) Kehres and Vickie Johnson; five grandchildren, Kara Johnson, Michele Kehres, Erik (Wendy) Johnson, Scott (Angie) Johnson and Michael (Amber) Johnson; eight great grandchildren, Dustin Franklin, Taylor (Autumn) Johnson, Ashley (Jared) Neimayer, Ty Stiffler, Nathaniel Johnson, Mason Johnson, Paul Johnson and Emmett Johnson; two great-great grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Benedict “Ben” Kehres, Kenneth “Shorty” Kehres, Father Frank Kehres and Sister Theresa Kehres; sisters-in-law, Annabelle Kehres, Lois Kehres and Barb (John) McKinley; numerous nieces and nephews; and Stell’s children, Susie (Dave) Colahan, Phyllis (Perry) Payne, Linda (Bill) Henrie and Bill (Bonnie) Gathergood.
In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris (Eggelston); second wife, Estella (Koepele) Kehres; siblings, Frederick “Fritz” Kehres, Carl “Cotz” Kehres, Robert “Spark” (Connie) Kehres and Daniel Kehres; and sisters-in-law, Pauline Kehres and Rene Kehres.
Family and friends may visit on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the St. Bernard School Gymnasium in New Washington from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A reciting of the rosary will take place at the conclusion of visitation. Gerald’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in New Washington at 11:00 a.m. with his brother, Father Frank Kehres officiating along with Father John Missler, Father Nick Weibel and other con-celebrating priests. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in New Washington.
Memorial contributions can be made to the retired priest fund through the Toledo Diocese at Perpetuate the Gift, PO Box 954, Toledo, OH 43697.
Online condolences can be made to his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.