Oscar and Bernadine Geckler, People Blessed By GOD: A Legacy Led by Faith

In 1981, Oscar and Bernadine Geckler made some decisions concerning their legacy and most certainly their final wishes.  They realized that the value of the family farm had increased to the point that a very significant gain had been realized.  Through the advice of their local bank’s trust department, they learned that they could bypass much of their federal estate tax by creating a simple Testamentary Revocable Trust.

The trust was structured to assure income for Oscar and Bernie, and after the death of the first, to the surviving spouse and specified family members for all of their remaining lives.  The trust consisted of parts “A”, “B” and “C”.  Part “A” was developed for income to the surviving spouse and at the end of that person’s life the remainder would be gifted to a selected charity.  Part “B” provided income to both their son and Oscar’s sister for their lifetimes’ with the remainder gifted to their church.  Part “C” was designed to provide income to both Oscar’s sister and Bernie until they died.  The remainder of this unitrust was split, half going to St. Luke and the other half to establish part “D”.  This residuary trust “D” directed its income for the care, maintenance and decoration of all of the Geckler family grave sites for specified days throughout the calendar year.  Trust “D” continues for nineteen years and one day after the last payout trustee has died. The remainder of this trust will then be gifted to St. Luke.

A story of real stewardship is contained in this gift.  By being good stewards of God’s blessings, the Geckler’s provided for themselves as well as their family members during all of their lifetimes.

Finally, both donors have provided wonderful gifts to St. Luke and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Canton, Ohio.  Their legacy has benefited their family, their church, other charities and St Luke’s ministry for senior adults.  We give thanks to GOD for their vision, concern and generosity.

The examples and information on this page are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before proceeding with your estate plan.