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Matthew Gerlach Obituary

Matthew Brent Gerlach

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.

Published by Times Recorder from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2021.

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6 Entries

Greater Glory Basket

Jon Hager and Family

Sent Flowers

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

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Funeral services provided by:

Farus Funeral Home of New Concord

63 W Main St, New Concord, OH 43762

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