Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Matthew Gerlach Obituary
Cambridge - For 62 years, Matthew Brent Gerlach of Cambridge threw himself at life full speed and head-on, and life had just better get out of his way. Friday, February 26, 2021 to our everlasting sorrow, life was too tired to dodge.
Born in Zanesville on February 18, 1959, to Rudy and Loas (Bresock) Gerlach, Matt grew up in New Concord. A 1977 graduate of John Glenn High School, he was a three-sport letterman, including being a stand-out defensive end on the football team. He continued his football career for two seasons at Otterbein College before the cumulative results of 7 years of on-field injuries led him to quit.
After stints working for a landscaper, in the oil fields, and driving for RPS, he was hired at Colgate, where he worked for many years, until his deteriorating health forced him to take disability.
An over-sized man, Matt matched that with an over-sized sense of humor and story-telling; to be with Matt was to be laughing. He also had an over-sized heart; in recent years he did a great deal to care for his aging parents, despite his own crippling pain.
He was a loyal friend, a caring son and brother, and a doting father - and an absolutely ecstatic grandfather.
Predeceased by his mother, Loas, he is survived by son Chad of the home, daughter Linsey (Justin Sears) of South Zanesville, and the center of his universe, grandsons Jace and Hutson, his father, Rudy, of New Concord, brothers Greg (Mollie) of New Concord, and Peter (Florence) of DeKalb, IL, sisters Meg (Flint Brenton) of Incline Village, NV, and Diana (Lance Wallace) of Salisbury, NC, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and his dear friend, Karen Dodson.
Visitations will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday at the New Concord United Methodist Church, 20 East High Street, New Concord, with Pastor Lisa Kropinak officiating.
The family asks that in Matt's honor, you dress casually, and Ohio State and Cleveland Browns attire are encouraged.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Gerlach
Sponsored by Farus Funeral Home of New Concord.
6 Entries
Madeline K Fisher
March 2, 2021
I didn't know Matthew but his Uncle Wendell and Aunt Margaret were very special people in my life. Prayer for you all for peace and strength during this difficult time. The Lord bless and keep you, in Jesus' Name.
Madeline K Fisher
March 2, 2021
I never knew Matthew but his Uncle Wendell and Aunt Margaret were very special people to me. Prayer for you all for peace and strength to carry you through this difficult time. The Lord bless you all, in Jesus' Name.
Teresa
March 2, 2021
Dear Diane,
My deepest sympathy to you and to all of your family. May you be comforted by faith and the support of family and friends during this time of sorrow. I pray that your fond memories of Matt will bring you peace and strength today and always.
Pamela Johnson Ryba
March 1, 2021
Matt was two years ahead of me in school, but I remember him at church, in choir, and of course at the football games. He was always nice, incredibly funny, ( I never knew if he was kidding or serious) and an all-around nice guy. I enjoyed keeping up with he and his grandkids on social media.
My sincere condolences to Dr. Gerlach, Diana and the rest of the family. Remember, the love you shared will be the bond between you forever. He’s still there with you. Love never dies. May God ease your grief, and give you peace.
Martha Meadows
March 1, 2021
Dear Rudy and family,
Our hearts join with you in this loss of Matt. May you feel the love of Jesus that will hold you close as you walk together through this valley of grief. Remember the fun times you all had together. You are in our prayersl
Love, Martha and Dan Meadows
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Gerlach's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Gerlach
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Gerlach's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
