Donald "Don" Jacob Gercken, age 78, US Army Veteran, of Crown Point, IN, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Lake Wales, FL Regional Medical Center. Donald was born in Manteno, IL. He is survived by wife Marcella Irene Gercken nee Schahfer of 47 years, his foster son Dr. Paul L. Linn, his siblings William C. (late Dorothy) Gerken, Clyde L. (Arlene) Gercken and Norma Jean (Neil) Cathcart, his many nieces and nephews, and his furry friend Missy. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob Gerken and Grace Maude Gerken nee Leach and by siblings Lawrence W. Gerken and Rosalie Bernice (late Walter) Krupa. Donald retired from Chicago Stamping Plant of Ford Motor Co. as a clerk. He was a member of Manteno Lodge # 636 AF & AM, South Bend Valley Scottish Rite, and Medinah Temple AAONMS, South Lake County Shrine Club, and Church of Four Seasons United Methodist Church. He served as an MP in the U.S. Army in Hawaii. Don was an avid camper in the Good Sam Club, Holiday Ramblers, and FMCA. He enjoyed spending winter in Haines City, FL. Friends are invited to celebrate Donald's life with his family on Friday, March 25, 2016 from 10 AM until time of Service at 1 PM with Pastor Dan Richwine officiating at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME , 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. For further information, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.