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Paul Gerlach Obituary
Born in Chicago in 1933 and raised in Wilmette, Paul (aka Luap) attended Loyola Academy where he excelled at sports and embraced his Jesuit Education. He went on to Northwestern University where he was a Wildcat quarterback, a Sigma Chi and a member of the ROTC. He married Frances Reilley, "the best person in his life", and joined the Air Force. Stationed in Texas, they started their family. In 1959 they returned to Chicago and he joined the Signode Steel Strapping Company. Six years and six kids later, he was transferred to Baltimore where his career and family continued to flourish. Another promotion brought him back to Chicago where they settled in Lake Forest. In 1986, with 12 other executives, he took Signode private and sold it to ITW in 1988. He stayed to run the company until 1993.
Throughout it all, Paul kept his eye on the ball. His love of golf began early; he caddied at the Indian Hill Club in Winnetka. He played courses worldwide and was a member of numerous clubs, but his home course was the Knollwood Club in Lake Forest. He shot his age several times and built lifelong friendships.
A parishioner at Saint Patrick's and Saint Mary's in Lake Forest, his faith grew and sustained him to his last day.
Paul was predeceased by his wife Fran and his son Dan. He is survived by his children Anne Friday, Virginia Howland, Susan Clabby, Tom Gerlach and Steve Gerlach, Dan's wife Yonca and 12 grandchildren.
Donations may be made to Lambs Farm in Libertyville, Illinois or Duke Cancer Fund in Durham, N.C.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 4th, 2021 at 11:30am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Gerlach
Michael
March 1, 2025
Mr Gerlach was a silent mentor and a friend. He was truly a caring man and I miss him and think of him often.
Randy Wahler
March 20, 2021
God bless Paul. He was one of my close friends and supporters at the Knollwood Club.
Julie Pendleton
March 9, 2021
Sorry for the passing. He led a great adventure and brought wonderful life to many. He was friend of my step father, John Mayo.
Russ Flaum
March 8, 2021
So sorry to learn of Paul´s passing.
I have so many fond memories of my years working alongside Paul.
He was responsible for promoting me to a marketing position in Glenview back in 1979. I worked closely with Paul from 1981 till 1990. We worked on numerous issues, traveled across the country (stopping at a few amazing golf courses along the way), and had many a sports trivia session together. I will never forget Paul´s love for his family and for his company. He taught me many things about our business and about our company philosophy.
At times we disagreed, but we never did so to the point that it effected our relationship.
Paul kept in touch with me after he retired and I had become President of Signode. We would have lunch, phone chats, and he would stop by the office to say hello to his former associates.
He always exhibited a touch of class whenever he came by.
I will never forget my years with Paul...they were exhilarating!
May God bless his soul.
Mark and MaryLou Wiegold
March 8, 2021
Sorry for your loss , Tommy thinking about you.
Joe Nies
March 7, 2021
Early in my Signode years Paul was transferred to Baltimore as District Manager and I followed as a Sales Rep. He was a good boss and a better friend. We enjoyed many rounds of golf together. He will be missed.
Michael Marion
March 7, 2021
When I was a young man he was my Golf Chairman and Club President. We shared a common bond in the game of golf and I´ll never forget my trip to Scotland with him.I appreciated that he was always brutally honest with me and that he always had my back. That´s just the kind of guy he was and I will never forget him.
Ann Parker
March 7, 2021
Terry was with Paul during the Signode and ITW years. Always charming and caring. My deepest sympathy. Ann Parker
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