Auburn, Joseph W Gerig Jr. 85, died Saturday July 1, 2017 at his home in Auburn. He was born in Auburn on December 14, 1931 to Joseph W Gerig Sr. and Lulu (Alexander) Gerig. Joe served his country for 8 years in the US Airforce. Joe was inducted on October 30, 1950 and in the 4th week of training was asked to be a Drill Instructor. After 8 weeks of Instructor training he was certified and received his first “Flight” ((Air Force’s term for platoon). In June of 1952 he took and was one of only two men out of 112 men to pass the test for Pilot School to enter Navigator School. He was one of only two who passed the test for Pilot Training. At that time the Airforce was using the “F86 Fighter” Jets. He worked in the maintenance department and was a truck driver for County Line Cheese for 35 years then was a Stationary Engineer for General Motors in Fort Wayne for 10 years before retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Auburn. He was a 50 year plus member and past Commander of the Auburn American Legion Post 97 and was a member of the Firing Squad of Post 97.He was a member and past Chairman of GM 2209 Retirees, member of the DeKalb County Sherriff’s Mounted Police and a member of the DeKalb County Democrats. He married Marcella C Danner on April 16, 1955 in St. Michaels Catholic Church in Waterloo and she survives. They are also survived by four children, Karen l Scott, David L Gerig, Lyle J and Kathy Gerig, and Mark A. and Marcia Gerig all of Auburn; A sister Thelma Daly of Ocala, FL; 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Carol Whittington and Wilma Marks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Thursday July 6, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Auburn with Father Timothy Wrozek officiating. Burial is in Auburn Catholic Cemetery, Auburn. Visitation is Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn, IN and also 1 hour prior to the service Thursday from 9 to 10 at the church. A Vigil service will be held at 4 PM Wednesday and a Rosary will be recited at 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. The Air Force Honor Detail and the American Legion Post 97 Firing Squad will conduct military Honors at the graveside Thursday. Preferred memorials are to the Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund or the American Legion Post 97 Firing Squad. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.