John Louis Gemmer

John Louis Gemmer went home to be with his Lord on October 10, 2013. He was born on April 9, 1917 in Huntington, IN. He married his beloved wife Francis Keith who preceded him in death in 1981. They had three children who were born in his favorite city, Chicago. Dad loved interacting with people and never knew a stranger. He attended Northwestern University Chicago, majoring in Business Administration. He was employed by Kerr McGee Corporation for thirty two years, working in Chicago, Tulsa, Cushing, and Okla. City. John lived his faith through service to his Lord. He served as Treasurer of the Oklahoma District LCMS for 36 years, was a Lay Visitation Minister, was instrumental in establishing both a Lutheran school and retirement center, taught a Bible class for many years and was a charter member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tulsa. He was also active in many civic organizations. John and Fran were blessed with three daughters, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Family includes: Kathleen and Richard Fritsche of Austin, TX, Michelle Fritsche, Pawling, NY, Mark and Marcia Fritsche, Brookfield, MA; Carolynn and Thomas Harrison of Lewisburg, PA, Linda and Jason Drewes, Mifflintown, PA, John Paul Harrison, Lewisburg, PA; Janette and Charles Bell of Edmond, OK, Meghan Bell, Chicago, IL, Kate and Tom Maness, Newalla, OK. The message that John wished to share upon his death is "Be faithful unto death and receive a crown of life. Praise the Lord!" The celebration of John's life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 N.W. Expressway, OKC, OK 73112 on Monday, October 14 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the new Prayer Chapel at Messiah.