Arnold Gercken

Baldwin, New York and Sellstedt Germany – Arnold Gercken, 86, died on October 4, 2023.

Arnold was born on August 19, 1937 in Sellstedt Germany and grew up with his parents Arthur and Meta Gercken, and brother Hartwig Gercken. He had a three-year merchant apprenticeship before moving to the United States alone in 1955 (age 17).

Upon his arrival, Arnold joined the Brooklyn Schuetzen Corps where he was a Captain, a King, and the longest active member in club history at 68 years.

Arnold worked in delis throughout Lynbrook, Commack, and Flushing for three years. With dreams of eventually owning a deli of his own, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 to fulfil his service duty where he proudly served in Hawaii for two years.

In 1961, Arnold met his wife Kerrin at the Schwabenhall in Ridgewood Queens. They got engaged and were married in 1962. They were happily married for 61 years.

Arnold achieved his goal when he purchased Meyers Deli in 1963. Arnold and Kerrin ran a very successful deli, side by side, for 7 years.

Kerrin and Arnold welcomed their children Linda and Ronald in 1967 and 1970. After their second child, they sold the deli so Kerrin could stay home with the kids, and Arnold bought a Boar’s Head route which he ran for over 25 years.

Arnold enjoyed spending time out on the water with friends and family. The family were long time members of the Freeport Yacht Club, where they frequented Zach’s Bay for weekend tie-ups with friends.

He is survived by his wife Kerrin Gercken; two children, Linda Wynkoop and her husband Pete, and Ronald Gercken and his wife Suzanne; and four grandchildren, Kerrin Montgomery, James Montgomery, Delaney Gercken, and Collin Gercken.