MIDDLETOWN - Gerald Henry Zeh, 87, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, at Kent General Hospital/Bayhealth, Dover, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 15, 1924, in Calverton, N.Y., he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Zeh. Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Gerald grew up working with his family on their farm. Following his move to Delaware in 1956, he started his own farming business where for many years he grew various vegetable crops of potatoes and tomatoes. He was most notably known for more than 50 years for his wonderful strawberries and throughout the state was often called the Strawberry King. Among his many crops, he also grew with great pride corn, wheat and soybeans. During his many working years, he enjoyed making, improving and designing farm equipment. He held a patent on an early model potato digger which he invented while living on Long Island, and ultimately brought with him to Delaware. In his later years, Gerald entrusted the larger field work to his son, Jim, but continued to enjoy driving his favorite tractor around the farm to insure everything was going smoothly. Mr. Zeh was a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau since 1956. On behalf of Mr. Zeh's family they would like to thank the staff at Kent General Hospital's emergency room and intensive care unit. They would also like to thank Dr. Saikia for the excellent care given to Mr. Zeh during his illness and at the time of his passing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna (Bangston) Zeh; four brothers, Winfred, Elmer, Roger and Richard; a sister, Marian Zeh and a nephew, Keith Zeh, all of Long Island, N.Y. Gerald leaves many wonderful memories to his loving wife of 10 years, Louisa (Price) Zeh; a son, James Zeh and his wife Terri of Middletown; two daughters, Marie Mood and her husband Chris of Smyrna and Susan Bratz and her husband Donald of Mapleton Depot, Pa.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, nine step-children, 11 step-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, as well as many dear and beloved friends. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, 212 N. Broad Street, Middletown, where friends may visit with his family on Wednesday evening, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Old St. Annes Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial contributions can be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, Middletown. On-line condolences may be sent to www.daniels-hutchison.com 302-378-3410