Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Jan. 18, 2007 edition of the Inland Register)

Deacon Vince Gerber, ordained for the Diocese of Spokane in 1980, died Jan. 6 in Spokane Valley. He was 68 years old.

The funeral Mass was celebrated for him Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. John Vianney Church in Spokane Valley, where he had ministered as a deacon.

He was born in Sandpoint, Idaho. He and his wife, Nancy, had nine children, age four months to 13 years at the time of his ordination.

Deacon Gerber was described as a “driver-salesman” at the time of his ordination. He also worked for a time as a florist.

His ministry took place at St. John Vianney Parish, where he served as a lector, catechist, and Eucharistic Minister prior to ordination. After ordination, he ministered in marriage preparation and team ministry to the sick and to newcomers.

In 1986, he requested a leave of absence from ministry. Deteriorating health prevented him from returning to active ministry, and he retired from the diaconate, at his request, in 1990.

As a member of the second class of deacons ordained for the diocese, Deacon Gerber “was one of the pioneers in the development of the deacon program,” said Msgr. John Steiner, co-Vicar General of the diocese. “It was a whole new adventure for him and for the Church.

“In the midst of his long personal journey of marginal health, he always had a sense of acceptance,” said Msgr. Steiner, who anointed Deacon Gerber two months ago at Valley General Hospital. “In his struggle with his health he received the sacrament with faith and a sense of peace.”