Vernon Ernest Gerlach

Vernon Gerlach, 90, of Mitchell, formerly of Corsica, SD, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 27, at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Dimock, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Vernon Ernest Gerlach was born on February 7, 1936, to Wilhelm and Alvina (Burmeister) Gerlach. He was born at home in Douglas County during a South Dakota blizzard delivered by his grandmother. He farmed with his father before taking over the farm in 1963. He also worked at Douglas County Soil Conservation, an egg packing plant, and a hog confinement

Vernon was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Dimock. He was a member of the church until his passing. After Vernon could no longer attend in person, he remained a faithful viewer of the Hillside online services.

Vernon was an avid fan of the Mollie B. polka show. After being gifted tickets to see her in person for his 80th birthday, he was able to enjoy several of her South Dakota performances and was a faithful viewer of her TV show.

On September 6, 1963, Vernon married the love of his life, Charlene Mills, at St. John Lutheran Church. Together, they were able to cherish their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2025. They retired to Mitchell in 2007. Due to his declining health Vernon became a resident of Avera Brady in June 2025. As a past time, Vernon enjoyed coloring and colored a wedding dream book for each of his grandchildren to receive upon their wedding. Vernon had an amazing memory of dates, especially for anniversaries and birthdays, and was dedicated to calling in his family's special dates to the KMIT morning show. Vernon loved to visit and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved talking about his family.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Charlene Gerlach; children, Lisa (David) Brouwer, Julie (Kevin) Flemmer, Dana (Gary) Hettinger, Chad and Brad Gerlach, and Jim Hohn; sister, Wilma Triebwasser; grandchildren: Trevor (Coryn) Flemmer, Trisha (Alek) Hanson, Brooke Flemmer, Cody, Caleb, and Carson Brouwer, Alyssa Hettinger (Zach Woldruff), Logan Hettinger, Devon Schoepf, and Dillon Phillips; and special great-grandson, Hayes Hanson; sister in-laws, Bonnie Prince & LaVonne Mills.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Diana Hohn; sisters and brothers-in-law, Esther and Alfred Hohn, Anita and Norman Beiswanger, and Irene Gerlach; sister-in-law, Kay Ronspies; brothers-in-law, Leland Triebwasser, Richard Mills and Paul Ronspies.