Nancy Gerken Obituary, Death – On June 8, 2025, at around 11:59 A.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report regarding a fatal accident on SR 65 and Road M, located near Ottawa in Putnam County. Lisa Kleman, a 43-year-old resident of Ottawa, Ohio, was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse in a northbound direction on SR 65. Meanwhile, Nancy Gerken, aged 74 and from Holgate, Ohio, was operating a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse heading southbound on the same road. Ms. Kleman’s vehicle crossed the centerline, leading to a head-on collision.
Nancy Gerken was declared deceased at the scene and subsequently transported by Feldner Mortuary Service to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office. Lisa Kleman sustained injuries that were not life-threatening and was taken to Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima. Additionally, Rose Schwab, a 13-year-old passenger in Mrs. Gerken’s vehicle, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima.
Both vehicles incurred significant damage and were removed from the scene by Jim Schmidt Chevrolet. All individuals involved were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the incident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol received assistance at the scene from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa Fire and Rescue, Glandorf Fire, Putnam County EMS, Ottawa EMS, Columbus Grove EMS, Jim Schmidt Chevrolet, Feldner Mortuary, Mercy Health Life Flight, and The Putnam County Coroner’s Office.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol urges all drivers to refrain from using their phones while driving and to ensure they are wearing their seatbelts.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.