Arnold E. Gerken, 74, died at his residence on Friday, July 27, 2001. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Gerken; daughter and son-in-law: Pamela M. and Michael Weaver; son and daughter-in-law, Arnold A. ''Butch'' and Brenda Gerken; daughters: Debbie S. Clingan and Tammy S. Welbaum; brothers: Walter A. Gerken, Carl F. Gerken, Herman A. Gerken all of Defiance, Ohio and a stepbrother, Mylo L. Gerken of Defiance, Ohio. He has 8 grandchildren, Angie McLain, Deedra Brown, Eric Weaver, Shad Gerken, Kurie Gerken Bruce Clingan, Kristopher Gerken and Ian Welbaum; two step grandchildren, Kristen Connell and Ryan Hufford and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harman W. and Wilhemenia S. Spotholtz; and two brothers, Bill and Richard Gerken. Mr. Gerken was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Troy, Ohio; Loyal Order of Moose, Troy, Ohio and Troy Elks Lodge. He retired in 1989 as Supervisor with Dinner Bell Foods after 42 years of service. Contributions are requested to Hospice of Miami County or First Lutheran Foundations of Faith Church Building Fund.