Gerald "Jerry" Toth

Gerald S. Toth (Jerry), died September 14, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born in South Bend, IN on February 14, 1937, and was the son of Steve Louis Toth and Susan Frey Toth. He is survived by his sons Glenn (Karen) Toth, Marth Toth, stepsons Michael Leman (Christa), Eric Leman (Barbara), grandchildren Elizabeth Franklin (Jakob), Benjamin Leman (Stephanie), Erica Lucas (Robbie), Andrew Leman (Megan) and great-grandchildren Aubrey and Aria Lucas and Landon Leman. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Toth in 2016, and his first wife, Sally VanderPloeg Toth and infant daughter Susan Marie Toth in 1967.

He grew up in SW Michigan and earned a BS from Michigan State University in 1960. During this time, he also served in the United States Army Reserves. While employed by General Motors in Flint, he earned an MS from the University of Michigan. In 1967 he accepted a position with the International Harvester Company in Ft. Wayne, IN. Following his job transfer to the Chicago area, he and Margaret married in November 1968. Subsequent job transfers took them to several mid-western cities, ending up in Carrollton, TX. During his career, he held several positions in both the Domestic and Overseas Divisions of International Harvester. In 1992 he retired. He and Margaret relocated from Carrollton to Spartanburg in 1996. Starting in 1996 they enjoyed many trips in their RV traveling extensively throughout the US and Canada.

Jerry was an avid backpacker and had many hikes in wilderness area of Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado and on the Appalachian Trail. As a member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent, he served as Lector, Chalice Bearer, Director of Outreach Ministries, and as Chaplain at Spartanburg Regional Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Advent on Saturday, October 24 at 11 AM. The Reverend Richard Proctor officiating. Interment in the Bell Tower Columbarium will follow the service. The family will greet friends in the Parish Community and Life Center immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Spartanburg Humane Society.