C. “Dean” Gerlach
July 29, 1932 -
February 2, 2022
US Veteran
C. “Dean” Gerlach, age 89, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Brookside Care Center.
Dean was born on July 29, 1932 to the late Clarence and Marie Gerlach. Siblings included James Gerlach, Bruce Gerlach and Shirley Johnson, all deceased.
On May 28th, 1955, he married the love of his life and leaves behind, Kathleen (Kathy) Lois Boyd, married for nearly 67 years. Dean is also survived by five children, Karen (Barry) Bertollini, Kim (Steve) Salowitz, Leslie (Daryl) Merrill, Dean (Michelle) Gerlach, and Ryan (Liane) Gerlach, as well as sixteen grand and sixteen great-grandchildren. His daughter, Kristi Anne Gerlach preceded him in death in 1986.
Dean’s two great life joys were his family and golfing. A devoted family man, “Gramps” was full of laughter and fun. His happiest moments were when his family was gathered together. He was a passionate and talented golfer and enjoyed his times on the course with the guys. Dean served in the Navy. A talented diver, Dean was lauded for diving off ship to save a fellow shipmate who had fallen in. He was a member of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church. A plumber by trade, Dean was employed by Kaelber Plumbing, and a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 118.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Alliance as well as Brookside Care Center for their compassionate care.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Dean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church 2001 80th Street.
Interment will take place in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors to follow.
A visitation for Dean will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Lutheran Youth Group www.stmaryslutheran.org, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (Orlando, FL) www.spiritofjoy.org, or to Hospice Alliance www.hospicealliance.org would be appreciated by the family.
Posted by:
John JorgensenThoughts and prayers to Kathy and family. I was an apprentice under Dean at Kaelber and have a lot of great memories. I was proud to hold the ladder for him. RIP Deano
Posted by:
Lill HauschildDear Kathy and family: I was so sad to read that you lost your Dean. I have such good memories from our "working days" and evenings. Dean was fun and also such a Gentleman. Loving thoughts Lill Hauschild
Posted by:
Sandy (Espinosa) & JuanTorresI attended church with Kim & Steve years ago and want to extend our condolences to your family. Prayers going forth for the family.
Posted by:
KAREN CALLAHANI MOSTLY REMEMBER MR. GERLACH FROM YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP WITH KRISTI. HE WAS ALWAYS WARM, FRIENDLY AND FUNNY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVED SO MUCH. HIS FAMILY IS LUCKY TO HAVE HAD HIM HERE WITH THEM FOR SO LONG, LUCKY INDEED, BECAUSE EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM KNOWS HOW HE LOVED HIS FAMILY SO VERY MUCH. AND, HE IS NOW AT PEACE, AND I KNOW THAT KRISTI IS WITH HIM AGAIN.
Posted by:
JoAnn CampoloSending hugs to the Gerlach family during this difficult time! He was always such a happy and joyful person @ church ( St. Mary's Lutheran Church). I remember just this Christmas Eve seeing him a few pews behind me, and hearing him singing so loud at all the Christmas Carol's ( even though he couldn't remember the songs, or words, it didn't stop him from singing). He really made that Christmas Church service so special. I will remember hearing his voice and he said to me " Merry Christmas " even though he didn't remember me from years past. I know Ryan Gerlach, as our past youth director at St. Mary's. Sending loving hugs to the Gerlach family. Dean was a very uplifting and special man!
