Joseph Francis Gerst

Joseph F. Gerst, 75, of Massillon, passed away January 3, 2026, at 3 PM.

Joe was born on May 31, 1950, in Canton, OH to the late Herman and Jean Gerst.

Joe was a lifetime member of Holy Family Parish, formally known as St. Clement Catholic Church of Navarre, OH. He was active for decades in the church choir as well as the Bell Choir. Additionally, Joe sang with the Majestic Voice Choir for many years. He loves all sports, especially baseball.

Joe was a loving friend, son, brother, and uncle. He will be missed by his church family; sister Ruth Marcussen and her son, Jeffrey (Kelley) Marcussen; sister Sue Eaton and her children Lottie Hausladen, Katie (Jesse) Heid, Lewis (Sara) Eaton, and Joseph (Jill) Eaton; sister Barbara (David) Conant and her children David (Jennifer) Conant II and Angela (Ryan) Weber.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 9 AM – 10 AM, at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd., Massillon, OH, 44646. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, 10:30 AM, at Holy Family Parish (St. Clement Catholic Church), 216 Wooster St., Navarre, OH, 44662, immediately following visitation (procession to church will leave from the funeral home following visitation). Burial will follow in St. Clement Cemetery.

In his passing, Joe gave the wonderful gift of life by being an organ donor to Lifebanc: Donate Life. In his honorable memory, donations may be made to Holy Family Parish (St. Clement Catholic Church) of Navarre, OH.

To share a memory of Joe, or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit our online guestbook.