John (Johnny) Gerber (died 1979)

GERBER, LEHRMAN, LOGAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 8/22/2023 at 17:24:16

19 April 1979 - The Tipton Conservative

Funeral services for John (Johnny) Gerber, one of America's greatest auto racers and racing car builders prior to World War II, were held at St. Paul's Lutheran church, Stanwood, April 14 with burial in the Stanwood cemetery. Pallbearers were Herbert, Melvin, Erwin and Frederick Lehrman, William Koch and Melvin Thein. Mrs. Gene Grimm was organist and Nancy Hipple vocalist.

Mr. Gerber died at St. Luke's hospital, Davenport April 11 following a 4 year illness.

The son of Fred and Barbara Schnaffner Gerber, he was born in Morganville, Kans. The family moved to Meriden, Kans. in 1907 where he graduated from high school. He was married to Rose Lehrman of Stanwood at Nashua in 1928.

During World War I he served as inspector and as an instructor in an armor motor transport unit.

From 1921 to 1934 he was a professional racing driver, racing against the finest Iowa and American race drivers. He built his own cars and engines and it was his designed and built cars that were among the finest machines on the racing circuits prior to World War II.

At one time Gerber held track records in 4 states at the same time. Along with Gus Schrader and Emory Collins, he was among the finest of Iowa race drivers and many considered him the best.

Mr. Gerber moved from Stanwood to Davenport in 1935.

During World War II he was a sub-contractor for military parts which he manufactured in the machine shop he operated.

After World War II it was Gerber who revitalized the Midwest Midget Auto Racing association and it was partly through his efforts that the sport was made popular through the country.

In 1977 he began the restoration of his 45-year-old hand built racing car - No. 15 - which earned him many of the 100 records he set during his racing career. In 1976 he was honored as grand marshall of the National Convention and Race Car Meet of the Antique Auto Racing association in Topeka, Kans.

Mr. Gerber is survived by his wife; 2 sons, James, Long Grove and John R., New York, N.Y.; 3 grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Charles (Anette) Logan, Topeka, Kans.