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Richard Gerlach Obituary
1960-2017
Richard H. Gerlach, Jr., 57, loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly on August 18, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife Marissa, dear children Amanda, Alejandra and Daniel, mother Mary, brother Bob and many family and friends. His father Rich preceded him in death.
Services celebrating Rick's life will be held Saturday, August 26 at White Oak Baptist Church, 3615 Mangum Rd, 77092. Visitation at 10am. Service at 11am. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, 77079.
In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations in Rick's memory can be made to White Oak Baptist Church or your charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gerlach
Sponsored by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.
Brandon and Ashley Gallagher
December 1, 2017
Condolences to you and your family. Rick had a very formative impact on me as a young engineer. I am lucky to have known and worked with such a kind and intelligent man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gerlach family.
Jasmin Zambrano
September 7, 2017
My deepest condolences. I sat in the office right next to Rick for the last few months. He was dedicated and wanted to make sure we "Got it right". He was thoughtful, caring, and smart. Most of all, he loved his family. He always talked about how proud he was of his children.
September 7, 2017
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you, Marissa, and Amanda, Alejandra, and Daniel. Amanda is a friend of our daughter, Alexa, who studied together and participated with Model UN. Cherish the enduring gifts Rick gave for a life well lived, especially the unwavering pride and happiness he felt for his family.
I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection, Leonardo da Vinci.
Our thoughts are with you and your family,
Catherine, David, Alexa, Mitchell and Chatham Griffiths
Sean Tenney
September 6, 2017
Marissa and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. Rick was a part of my personal and professional life for many years beginning at Rust and through several years working together as part of the CDM family. He was a friend and mentor that I remember as genuine, as a proud Dad, and as one of the best engineers in the business. He was kind and caring towards others, and always strove to do the right thing. May he rest in Peace.
Chris Varnon
September 6, 2017
Such a wonderful human being that I'm glad to have known and had a chance to share many thoughtful conversations with. My deepest condolences go out to his family in this time of immense loss. He will live on in the hearts and minds of so many people, but his presence will not soon be replaced.
Dawn Lynd
September 5, 2017
So very sorry to learn of Rick's passing. He was a remarkable man, and a talented engineer. I attach a favorite quote from Khalil Gibran's poem ON DEATH.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Dance, Rick, Dance
August 29, 2017
To the family. May you find abundant peace, strength and comfort during this time of loss. Psalm 29:11
JT
Connie Tate
August 25, 2017
Lifting you guys up in prayer. We met Rick and your family through numerous road races that my son David participated in along with Amanda. Sometimes your whole family was out there running or cheering Amanda on. We enjoyed many conversations with Rick, from running to engineering. He was a good, positive, enthusiastic, Godly man.
Dana Nica
August 25, 2017
Condolences Marissa, Amanda, Alejandra and Daniel. Words are too small for such an irreplaceable loss. Rick will be missed by so many people. I am grateful for having had the chance to work with him, and learn from him. God rest his soul in peace. Prayers for his family and friends to live without his inspired and kind presence.
Kyle Self
August 25, 2017
Rick was a really great influence in my life. I met him at the start of college when a lot of people lose their faith. Rick invited me to a Bible study in his room that I attended weekly until he graduated. He was a very positive mentor in my life and I was very, very fortunate to have him as a friend. My sincere condolences to Marissa and his kids. You are in my prayers.
Lance McLeod
August 25, 2017
My sincere and heart-felt condolences to the Gerlachs. I am utterly shocked and saddened at Rick's passing.
I had the privilege of working alongside Rick at Rust/EarthTech back in the 90s, and then again recently when he was at KBR and I at BGE as partner consultants working together at the SJRA's surface water plant site on the GRP Program.
Rick was an exceptional engineer and a terrific person who was passionate about his children, his work, and his beloved Rice. His engineering contributions to the region remain inspiring and impactful. He left us far too soon and will be sorely missed.
Mark Vito
August 25, 2017
Unfortunately for the rest of us, sometimes the really bright lights go out too quicklymaking the place we live that much more drab and empty. You will be missed, Rick.
Mark Vito (Rice '84)
August 25, 2017
Rick was a fellow Chemical Engineering classmate of mine at Rice and I have many fond memories of our times together. We were a small and tight-knit group. I'm so sorry to hear that he's left this world. It sounds like he had a life well-lived... my condolences to the family.
Lavelle Fritz Ferris (Rice '82)
Tammy Leong Taura
August 25, 2017
We mourn with the whole Gerlach family. Rick was such a wonderful cheerleading partner at Rice - hard-working, always positive and full of joy. I am grateful most of all that this is not a final goodbye because in Christ, it's a see ya later. We will miss you here, Rick, but we all look forward to cheering again with you!
Jones
August 25, 2017
Sending my condolences to the Gerlach family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)
Bret Hern
August 24, 2017
Marissa, Elizabeth and I are stunned and heartbroken. We have hope, we have fond memories, but we grieve along with you. Rick was a warm presence in my life for 38 years, and all of us who call him friend are the poorer for his passing.
Peace,
Bret & Elizabeth Hern
Drew Molly
August 24, 2017
Dear Marissa, and kids, Rick was one of the finest people I knew. He was a brilliant engineer with a pasion for water treatment design and operations. We knew each other over the years, but became especially close as we worked together on a recent project. I totally enjoyed every minute with him, and what made him so special was his kindness, charity towards others and absolute love for his family. Rick will be sorely missed, and my heart aches that the physical world has lost a wonderful soul. I will cherish these memories forever. My deepest sympathies.
John Scott
August 24, 2017
My deepest condolences to Rick's family. I have many great memories of Rick from our college days. It is such a shock to lose a classmate.
Mitch Shults
August 24, 2017
Shocking to learn of Rick's untimely passing. Some of my fondest college memories (and favorite photographs) were from when Rick and I were on the Rice cheerleading squad in '81/'82. I lost track of Rick after college. Good to know that he left a mark that will be remembered. RIP.
David Burnett
August 24, 2017
Marissa,
I am so sorry for your family's life. Rick was an encouragement in my life as he was for many others. I pray for you and the children.
Tammy Leong Taura
August 24, 2017
We mourn with you all as we will miss Rick and his bright, joyful personality. He was the sweetest cheerleading partner - hard-working, positive and such a gentleman. His life shined for the Lord and I am thankful that this is not goodbye, but a see ya later. Love, prayers and deepest sympathies to you all.
Joel Camann
August 24, 2017
My sincerest condolences to Rick's family. I am still in shock over this news. I worked for Rick at CDM and found him to be a wonderful mentor who left a lasting impact on my career and someone with tremendous integrity. He will be missed by many.
Beverly Meyer
August 24, 2017
Marissa & kids. My heart aches for you right now, but as John said this week, God Knew. Still very painful but he's Safe In Jesus' Arms. Praying for peace and comfort. Love, Beverly Meyer
Beverly Meyer
August 24, 2017
Marissa and kids. My heart aches for you all at this time. But "God Knew" as John shared with us this week. Still not easy, but I will be praying for peace and understanding as Rick is Safe In Jesus' Arms. Love, Beverly Meyer
Kathyann Popplewell
August 24, 2017
"Marissa & Family, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I worked with Rick and was truly sadden to hear of his passing. Rick was a pleasure to work with, my prayers and thoughts go out to your family in the coming days, weeks and months. He's now in Gods memory.
Ganesh Ghurye
August 24, 2017
Mrs. Gerlach and family - I knew Rick when I had just joined CDM in 2004. He was widely acknowledged as a brilliant engineer. But beyond that, as my group leader, he was an incredible mentor. I could always go to him for advice and he was incredibly supportive of my efforts to carve a niche for myself at CDM. Kindly accept my heartfelt condolences at your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ganesh Ghurye and Family
Dottie Wichmann
August 24, 2017
Marissa, Amanda and family,
I am so sad and sorry to hear about Rick's passing. My heart goes out to all of you. May you find comfort in your memories of him, and strength from your friends and family at this most difficult time. God's peace be with you.
Rea
August 24, 2017
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends. The death of our loved ones is such a painful thing to experience. I hope you can look to God, who promises to comfort those who mourn. (Matt 5:3)
Raj Singh
August 23, 2017
Mrs. Gerlach & family, I can not express heartfelt sorrow enough but please accept my condolences. Our prayers are with you.
Rick, you will be remembered,"passion for getting it right".
Angela Simmons
August 23, 2017
Marissa and kids - Yourhusband/dad loved you as Christ loved the Church. It beamed all over his face any time he spoke of any of you. I know you will honor your dad's legacy by continuing his work for the Lord. As for Rick: Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord! With Love, Angela Simmons
Eric Hall
August 23, 2017
Marissa & Family...please know how much Rick meant to me personally as a friend and co-worker. We share in your loss and our prayers are with you all.
David Munn
August 23, 2017
My heart goes out to the Gerlach family. I have very fond memories of working with Rick. He often spoke of his family, especially his children's sports and activities. I remember hearing of how he would cheer along his kids during cross country track meets. You could tell he was very proud.
Mike Breaux
August 22, 2017
Rick, Thank you for being a friend for all these many years from our high school days in Lake Charles to our time here in Houston. Your time came too quickly. You gave so much to all around you. From your cheerleading days at Rice, you continued to be a cheerleader of family, life, and God. I will miss you.
Jeff Benjamin
August 22, 2017
Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for the passing of your husband and father but please accept my condolences and I will be sure to include him in my daily prayers.
August 22, 2017
Gerlach Family - We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Rick is one of those rare human beings that makes our world a better place to live in!
George & Kathy Herrera and Family
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