Obituary of Gerald Edward Conger

Gerald E. Conger, age 88 of Benton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Bonham's Nursing Center, Stillwater. He was born in Bayord, IA on January 17, 1933 and was the son of the late John Allen and Mary Edna Kerr Conger; and late foster parents, Gordon and Elsie Barker. Gerald earned a master’s degree in English from Bloomsburg University. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950, serving in Japan, Germany, Africa, and various locations across the United States. He then began a career as a teacher at Garrison Elementary School in Shickshinny and then became principal and later became an English teacher with the Northwest School district and was also a teacher with the Red Rock Job Corps for many years. Gerald was also a member of the school board with Northwest and Vo-Tech and was a faithful member of the Bible Baptist Church, Shickshinny. He loved to play his trombone and sing in the church choir. Gerald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who enjoyed watching all their sporting events. In addition to his biological and foster parents, he was preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters. Gerald is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Jean Ridall; daughter, Deborah Boyer and her husband Rick of Benton; son, Gordon Conger of Benton; daughter, Elizabeth Sabecky and her husband Bob of Sugar Notch; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; numerous siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held April 26, 2021 at 12:30 PM from the Bible Baptist Church, 43 Furnace St., Shickshinny, PA 18655 with Pastor Randy Boston, officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Sorber Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Memorial donations may be made to Bible Baptist Church, 43 Furnace St., Shickshinny, PA 18655. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Bonham’s Nursing Center for the care and love shown to Gerald during his stay there. A special thank you to Holly, Theresa, Daryl, and Brenda for their daily loving care. Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com