John T. Deck

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John T. Deck, 77, formerly of Haskins, passed on May 4, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

John was born September, 26, 1945 in Akron, OH and was adopted by John and Elizabeth (Musselman) Deck.  He grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and graduated from Akron Garfield High School in 1964. He attended Ohio Northern University earning a degree in History and Education. He briefly taught High School government after graduation, before pursuing his love of the law by starting as an investigator for the Ohio Department of Liquor and Control. He furthered his career as a police officer for the city of Maumee and then became an adult parole officer for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. He retired in July of 2003 after decades of service to the law and police work, having performed a job he was proud of and enjoyed.  

Along with his love for his profession, he had numerous interests and passions including teaching constitutional law, police competitive shooting, ham radio operation, photography and was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. John was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Police of Fremont, Ohio, Lodge 35 and served as Secretary / Treasurer.  He was twice elected as the state delegate to represent parole officers.   

He married Patsy (Gillespie) Knepper in 1981 and together they enjoyed time with her two children, Robert (Nadine Kary) Knepper and Kay Knepper-Osuna and two grandchildren, Megan (Bryant Symanowski) Osuna and Ben Knepper. Patsy preceded him in death in 2002.  

John married Donna (Rentmeester) Gerrits in 2007 growing his family by two more children with daughter Joy (Tim) Vertz, and son Tyler (Danyel Rallof) Gerrits and 4 more grandchildren Flynn and Sawyer Vertz and Quinn and Quaid Gerrits.  

He is further survived by his brother Tom (Kathe) Deck, nephews Chris and Jason, niece Heather (Andrew) Tobin, and great nephews Reagan and Maverick Deck and Trent Tobin. His half siblings Gail (Bill) Fannasy and Gary (Virginia) Sunderland, and numerous Fannasy and Sunderland nieces and nephews. He is survived by brother-in-laws Tom Rentmeester and Pete (Cindy) Rentmeester, nieces and nephews Pete (Michelle) Rentmeester, Renee (Joel) Justinger, Jennifer (Brian Ippel), Jake (Eddie Kakos) and Jared (Zoe) Rentmeester and his closest friend Mark Hearndon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patsy, step daughter Kay, and sister-in-law Debbie Rentmeester.

Memorials in honor of John may be made to Fremont F.O.P. Lodge 35.

Family and friends will be welcomed on June 4, 2023 to the Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Crematory, Gibsonburg, OH for visitation from 1-2:45 P.M. followed by a F.O.P. service at 2:45 P.M. and a celebration of his life at 3 P.M.