Paul Joseph Gerlach

Paul Joseph Gerlach, 65, passed away on January 01, 2026, at his home in Marquette, KS. Paul was born on April 12, 1960, in Clinton, IA to the late Joseph and Jacqueline (Streuser) Gerlach.
Paul had previously worked as a volunteer Firefighter and EMS First Responder for several years in Marquette and was also a CNC operator. Paul then went on to work as a farm and ranch hand for Hoffman Farm and Ranch, where he worked alongside his son, Steve. He worked for Wildlife and Parks at the McPherson Valley Wetlands and Kanopolis State Park, collecting important data for fishery, deer, and turkey surveys.
Paul was also a member of Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, and the National Trappers Association, as well as a volunteer for the Youth Mentoring Turkey Hunts for the state of Kansas.
Paul had a deep passion for the outdoors; he was an avid fisherman, hunter, trapper, and steward of the land. He always strived to make it better than he found it. He also loved to feed and sit, watching the hummingbirds and purple martins, and he enjoyed taking Hadley, their dog, on side-by-side rides around town. Paul loved being on the lake, fishing, and being with family and close friends. "Captain Paul" or "Yum's" was known for the world-famous "Chum Hole" at Kanopolis Lake. He took great pride in taking care of anything and everything he did, especially when it came to hunting and fishing. As we all know Paul was very "particular" about his 5-gallon buckets.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Jacqueline (Streuser) Gerlach, brother David Gerlach, sister Catherine (Gerlach) Lannen, and stepson Zeb O'Loughlin.
Paul is survived by his longtime companion: Barb O'Loughlin;
son: Steven (Melissa) Gerlach of Lindsborg, KS; daughter: Krystal
Gerlach of McPherson, KS stepson: Benjamin (Jessica) O'Loughlin of Colorado; stepdaughter: Madison (Hunter) Venables of Princeton, Texas, sister: Mary Jo Baker of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren: Kereece (Pedro) Cepeda, Makayla Gerlach, Lindsey (Kaleb) Jackson, Gaige Whitmer, Cassidy Gerlach, Laney Gerlach, Lakeyn, and Ezra O'Loughlin; and great-granddaughter: Mariana Cepeda.
To know Paul and to have him in our lives was truly a blessing. He was a loving father and grandfather and had a big impact on many people's lives. He paved the way for several people in the hunting and fishing world. He will be dearly missed by many.
Cremation has been chosen and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Paul's final resting place will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Preston, Iowa.
Memorial Proceeds will go to Eisenhower Park in Marquette, KS.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Crick-Christians Funeral
Home, 103 North Washington St. Lindsborg, KS 67456.