Obituary of Richard E. Gerlach

His family includes his wife of sixty years, Ardis; daughters and their husbands, Susan and Larry Hibbs of Cedar Rapids, and Jane and Steve Smith of Fairbanks, AK; sons and their wives, Geoff and Peggy Gerlach of Omaha, NE, and Dan and Karen Gerlach of Myakka City, Fl; five grandchildren, Stephanie Graves, Marisa Gerlach, Daniel, William and Thomas Smith; two great-grandchildren, Max and Sophie Graves; brother and his wife, George and Jean Gerlach of Shawnee Mission, KS; and sister Anne Lennier of Cosmopolis, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Lou West, and grandson, David Smith. Dick was born September 23, 1920, in Badger, Iowa the son of Richard C. and Lucille (Miller) Gerlach. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1938, attended Ellsworth Junior College from 1938 to 1940 and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in accounting in 1947. During World War II, he served in United States Army in the European Theatre. During his service, he was wounded in France, receiving the Purple Heart. On July 27, 1942, Dick married Ardis Dubberke. The couple has resided in Iowa City since 1945. Dick worked in the University of Iowa Business Office from 1947 until his retirement in 1985. Dick was a familiar site at University sporting events where he accounted for the concessions. Dick was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he and his wife, Ardis were one of the charter members. He served his church in many ways, including elder and as treasurer for many years. After retirement, Dick volunteered many hours at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City Senior Center, and with the American Red Cross. He so loved being active at the Senior Center, and his playing the horn with the New Horizons Band. Dick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, as well as a good friend to many. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers Dick’s family requests memorial donations can be made in his memory to Iowa City Senior Center or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.