Janet F. Gaerke, 81, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Mercer Health in Coldwater, Ohio. 

She was born on October 12, 1942, in Hamlet, North Carolina, to the late Clem and Delia (Butler) Sturdivant.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Henry T. Gaerke, Jr., whom she married on August 13, 1960, and who passed away on November 27, 2004; her infant daughter, Ann Marie Gaerke; her siblings, Joe Sturdivant, Fannie Sturdivant, Thomas Sturdivant, Richard Sturdivant and Helen Ruth Sturdivant; and her in-laws, Lorine Forthofer, Jerry Gaerke, Herb Gaerke, Leonard Gaerke, Harold Gaerke, Luella Franke, Bernard Gaerke, Virgil Gaerke, Mary Ann Homan, and Charlie Gaerke.

Janet is survived by her children, Ellen (Jeff) Sudhoff of Fort Recovery, Greg (Maria) Gaerke of Berea, Kentucky, and Mark (Renae) Gaerke of New Bremen; her 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; her siblings, Jimmy Sturdivant of Lakewood, California, Peggy (John) Gibbons of Charlotte, North Carolina, Linda (George) LaComb of Lampco, California,  Edward Sturdivant of Laurinburg, North Carolina, Clem Sturdivant, Jr., of Long Beach California, Gerald (Cindy) Sturdivant of Bolivia, North Carolina, Diana Locklar of Laurinburg, North Carolina, Debbie (Nelson) Bailey of Laural Hill, North Carolina, and Harry (Carlene) Sturdivant of San Diego, California; her in-laws, Virginia Tangeman of Maria Stein, Dorothy Gaerke of Fort Recovery, Lillian Homan of Coldwater, and Marcy (Dick) Topp of Kettering, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Janet was employed at Fort Recovery Industries for 25 years. After she retired, she made pies for local restaurants. Her largest order was for 44 pies for a local gathering. Janet and her husband were guardians of 18 foster children through the years. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3025 in Coldwater, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the church's Altar Rosary Sodality. In her free time, Janet enjoyed going fishing, traveling, gardening and tending to her flowers, and spoiling her grandchildren. Her smiles were contagious, and Janet was known for her hugs.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Pasala officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Guests may visit with Janet's family on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the Mercer County Council on Aging, 217 Riley Street, Celina, Ohio 45822. 

Online condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.