TUCSON, Ariz. — Karl J. Gerschutz, , 56, retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of New Bavaria, died June 29, 2013, in Mount Lemmon, Ariz., the result of a cycling accident.

He was born Sept. 9, 1956, in Lima to the late Virgil A. and Eulalia “Lollie” Horstman Gerschutz.

This family man is survived by his wife of 34 years, Teresa A. Rutter Gerschutz, of Tucson, Ariz.; daughters, Deena A. (Lynn) Jones, of St. Louis, and Jill Marie (Todd) Gerschutz-Bell, of Washington, D.C.; a granddaughter, Victoria Jones and another one on the way; and 14 brothers and sisters, Marvell (Jim) Buddelmeyer, of Glandorf, Marlyn Clark, of Holgate, Judy Rosengarten, of Ottawa, Linda (Gary) Ellerbrock, of New Cleveland, Theresa (Dr. Grover) Johnson, of Vancleave, Miss., Bonnie (Dan) Inkrott, of Ottawa, Donna (Larry) Amos, of Toledo, Larry (Peg) Gerschutz, of Miller City, Ed (Rose Ann) Gerschutz, of Miller City, Cletus (Mary) Gerschutz, of New Bavaria, Kathy (Jeff) Lammers, of Ottawa, Raymond (Shirley) Gerschutz, of Miller City, Norm (Becky) Gerschutz, of Ottawa, and Elaine (Dr. Tony) Rump, of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Ken Rosengarten and Butch Clark.

He graduated high school in 1974 and enlisted in the Air Force. Karl served 30 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2007, as a chief master sergeant, and was a senior logistics specialist for Raytheon. An avid cyclist, he competed in many cycling races across the United States and Europe. A devout Catholic, Karl actively volunteered in his community. He is a graduate of Park University.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria. Father Stephen Stanbery and Father Nick Cunningham will officiate.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Stand Up for Kids or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria.

Condolences can be expressed at lovefuneralhome.com.