Robert J. Gerlach

Born to Eternal Life Thursday, March 31, 2005 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Rosalie (nee Reese) and the late Betty (nee Christ) Gerlach. Dearest father of John (Carol) Gerlach, Barbara (Charles) Kronenwetter and Bill Gerlach. Grandfather of Ann and John Kronenwetter, Dan, Claire, Tony and Tim Gerlach. Step-father of Nancy Guenette, Christine (Michael) De Voy, Paul (Debbie), Francis (Caroline) and Peter Guenette. Step grandfather of Steven Wein, Travis De Voy, Jeremy, Nicole, Matt, Molly, Sam, Michael and Mary Guenette. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Robert, born in Green Bay, WI, helped his family through The Depression by rebuilding houses. He served in WWII as a second lieutenant. After the war, he married Elizabeth Christ.

He completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at UW-Madison and later received his MS degree from UWM. Bob was employed at Delco Electronics and Kearney & Trecker. After retirement, he spent years caring for his wife, Betty, in her final illness.

After Betty's death, Bob was able to do the volunteer activities he had always wished to do. He became the president of the condominium association at Black Horse Terrace. He loved working at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Bob's 3 children and 6 grandchildren loved his games, appreciated his home repair skills and enjoyed his wonderful warm self-effacing personality. He was an avid bridge player.

At age 79, Bob married Rosalie Guenette. At age 80, Bob and Rosalie became interested in the Haiti support group at St. Mary's Faith Community in Hales Corners. He and Rosalie made several trips to Haiti to install solar powered water purification systems in Labotiliere. His last mission was to install a larger purification system which would have supplied the grade school with its first clean water supply. The completion of this project is in God's hands.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Monday at 6PM. Private interment Wood National Cemetery. Visitation at the Church Monday from 4PM until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials to St. Mary's Haiti Committee or the American Cancer Society are suggested.

BRUSKIEWITZ FOREST LANE CHAPEL

5355 W. Forest Home Ave.

(414) 321-1700