Reverend Kenneth L Gerhardt, 82, of Elyria, passed away peacefully at his residence with family by his side on Friday, June 14, 2024. He was born in Lorain on December 3, 1941 to parents Kenneth A and Dorothy (nee Bishop). Kenneth graduated from Lorain High School in 1959. He was inducted into National Honors Society and the Lorain Football Hall of Fame. He received a full scholarship to Wooster College where he continued his football career. He then went on to complete his undergraduate career at Baldwin Wallace. He then took his first job at General Motors where he worked 38 years as a Plant Superintendent. After retiring, he began his lifelong passion as a Pastor. He became an ordained minister and pastor of Pittsfield Community Church for the next ten years. After leaving there, he became Pastor of East Oberlin Community Church where he stayed for five years. Kenneth was also a member of the local Masons. Reverend Kenneth is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra (née Knapp) of Amherst; his son, Kenneth Gerhardt of Georgia; his daughters: Kimberly Johnson (husband Tim) of Vermilion; Jennifer Zwolinski (husband Christopher) of Cleveland; Rebecca Traxler (husband Jim) of Elyria; Fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Shirley (née Gerhardt) Talmage. Family will receive friends from 4pm until the time of service at 7pm on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Road in Elyria 440-322-4626. Senior Pastor Adrean Young of Heart of God Kingdom Ministry will officiate. Burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.