Carla Jean Gehrig

Carla Jean Gehrig of Casselberry, Florida, passed away October 26, 2024, at the age of 80. Carla was a Daughter of the late Stanley and Claire Haverkampf and sister of the late Rick Haverkampf. Carla is survived by her husband John Allen Gehrig, children Robert Meier (Argentina Meier), Jon Meier, Mindy Hulser (Douglas Hulser), Sean Duff, and her loving step-children, J. R. Gehrig (Coi Gehrig), Mary Elizabeth Rousseaux, Melissa Lucken (Walter Lucken), grandchildren Amy Meier, Christine Sinor, Bobbi Jean Meier, Gauge Duff and step-grandchildren Walt Lucken, Collin Lucken, Ellie Rousseaux, Hans Gehrig, and an ever growing band of great grandchildren.
Carla was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She moved to Central Florida in 1964. In 1965 she co-founded Kradle Kare, Inc., a residential home for profoundly mentally and physically challenged infants and children in Maitland, FL. In 1980 she began her professional career with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families in the field of child abuse and neglect, from which she retired in 1998.
She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida. She was a very active member of the Winter Park Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon and Elder. Carla chaired many church committees and fund raising activities and was universally known as possessing a servant's heart.
She was a volunteer with Heifer Project International and Interfaith Hospitality Network and was a past president of the Winter Park Lions Club, serving as its first woman president.
Carla served as a vision tester and eye glass dispenser on innumerable visual health short term missions in the developing world with teams from Volunteers for Optometric Services to Humanity and Winter Park Presbyterian Church.
In addition to traveling with her husband she enjoyed family gatherings, camping and hiking, Bridge and Hand & Foot, reading and logic puzzles. Carla always had a passion for children and pets.
A memorial service for Carla will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 South Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792. The service will be a celebration of Carla's life and, in accord with Carla's wishes, please feel free to wear distinctive hats and bright colors. In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be made to the Winter Park Presbyterian Church Columbarium Fund.