JOHN DOUGLAS GERLITZ

FUNERAL HOME

Einan's Funeral Home, Inc.

915 Bypass Highway

Richland, Washington

JOHN GERLITZ Obituary

Einan's Funeral Home

Our beloved son and brother, John Douglas Gerlitz, has found eternal peace at last with God. John died unexpectantly on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at home. John was born on January 26th, 1989, and lived his life in Richland. John attended Badger Mountain Elementary School, Carmichael Middle School and graduated from Richland High School in 2007. He attended Washington State University TriCities and ITT Technology College in Portland, Oregon but most importantly John gained education through his life experiences.

Throughout his childhood he enjoyed sports including little league baseball, grid kid football and AAU basketball. In high school he played football, baseball and track while attending Richland and enjoyed a round of golf or two while working at Meadow Springs Golf Course. John was musically talented as well learning to play the guitar and sharing the gift of music with others. He also enjoyed hitting the slopes with family and friends to go snowboarding including annual trips to Mt. Bachelor shared with many other Richland families.

John was funny, loving, smart and a good friend to many. He shared his life with his best friend and brother Robby and lovingly looked up to his older sister Sara. He deeply was loved by his siblings and truly cherished by his parents Rich and Jan.

John was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Lynn; grandparents Wilbert and Marjorie Gerlitz; and his uncle, David Fallen. He is survived by his parents Richard and Janet Gerlitz; sister Sara Gerlitz and brother Robert Gerlitz of Richland, WA; grandparents, Douglas and Barbara Allan of Lopez Island, WA; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins: Gordon and Janis Gerlitz, Cathy Fallen-Matthews, Bill & Mary Jean Dodson, Bob and Ginny Lillie; Ryan Gerlitz, Chad Gerlitz, Derek Fallen, Brooke Nakhuda, Shannon Gruber, Jess Dodson, Byron Lillie and Stephenie Ramage.

We would like to thank family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, pastors and the many professionals in the mental health field for their support and comfort during the last few years helping John with his illness. He touched many lives and will be missed by everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday April 11, 2011, at Bethel Church in Richland, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to TriCities Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Express your thoughts and memories on our online Guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tri-City Herald from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN GERLITZ

11 Entries

July 11, 2024

May you rest in peace John

April 14, 2011

Rich, Jan, Sarah and Robby - Just know each one of us is thinking of each one of you, every day, and we will be for a very long time. I hope you can feel the collective strength and love of so many who care as you work through one day at a time. Namaste

Hamblin Family

Nancy Aldrich

April 12, 2011

Gerlitz Family - We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to Robbie and the loss of his big brother. Our prayers are with you. - Nancy Aldrich and Matthew Aldrich

Jessica Kille

April 11, 2011

Dear Rich, Jan, Sara and Robby- I am so so sad to hear about John. I have such fond memories of his pink cheeks and mischievous smile. We all had many happy nights running around the house and having chicken strips and french fries for dinner. Yum! You have a beautiful wonderful family. I am praying for you. Much much love, Jessie (Bell)

Rod&Lori Van de Graaf

April 10, 2011

"Rich Jan and Family- We are so very sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength and comfort-
God bless you- Rod & Lori Van de Graaf

Kathy Davis

April 10, 2011

Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your John. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com

Also on Facebook

Kelley Shanley

April 10, 2011

Rich and Jan- We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.-Kelley Shanley and Steve Beaudry

Pat & RaeLyn Castro

April 10, 2011

We were deeply saddened to hear your family's sad news from Gordon & Jan. We knew your parents and are good friends w/your brothers family. Our hearts, tears, prayers go out to your family during this tragic time. We just can't imagine this anguish.

Gordon Shanley

April 10, 2011

Rich and Jan,We are very sorry for your loss and we will all be praying for you and your family. God bless you ..

Marcy Deffenbaugh

April 9, 2011

Rich - I just heard your terrible news. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you were very proud of all your children. I pray that God will give you and your family the peace and understanding to get through this terrible time.

Barbara Hughes-Kowaleski

April 8, 2011

Rich, I just heard your sad news from my family in Prosser. I will be praying that God will bless you and your family with peace and healing. My heart is with you old friend.
Your Friend and Classmate,

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