September 27, 2012
Roger's Obituary 
Roger Lee Gerlach, 67, of Maquoketa and formerly of Bellevue, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 27, 2012, at his home after a valiant struggle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M., Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Maquoketa. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. on Sunday, September 30, 2012, from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, where a 4:45 P.M. Rosary Service will be recited.
Roger Gerlach, son of Leo and Hilda (Homan) Gerlach of rural Bellevue, was born Nov. 19, 1944, on the family farm southeast of Bellevue. He completed an eighth grade education in rural Jackson County schools.
He married LaVonne Bormann on April 12, 1969, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Preston.
Roger found his calling working the land and raising the livestock on the family farm. The couple raised their three daughters on the farm and lived there until March of 2012.
He loved farming, family, and his three grandchildren.
Roger is survived by his wife, LaVonne; three daughters, Kim (and Tim) Riggle of Middle Amana, Kristy (and Mark) Cole of Cedar Rapids, and Kelly Gerlach of Maquoketa; three grandchildren, Kaitlin and Lauren Riggle and Logan Cole; two brothers, Orville (and Karen) Gerlach of Andrew and Richard (and Heather) Gerlach of Papillion, Neb.; two sisters, Rita (and Elliott) Lee of California and Mary Banowetz of Maquoketa; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis (and Joe) Wingert of Oelwein and Carol (and Steve) Lucke of rural Andrew; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Donald Gerlach, Arnold Gerlach, and Cletus Gerlach.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Roger Lee Gerlach memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Memories of Roger
Christmas is drawing near...thinking of you each and every day....miss u dearly...lve u
Just thinking of you right now....always needing your strength....live u dad♥♥♥
Love you and miss you dad!
i will roger very much. he was a loving caring guy he was my third youngest brother. my sister and i use take him around the house outside the house and try to get him to go to sleep. it worked.love rita mae and elliott lee
Aunt LaVonne and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Roger. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
We are so saddened by the news of Uncle Roger's passing. Please know that you are all in our prayers during this difficult time.
we all miss you grandpa
Dear Aunt LaVonne, Kim, Kristy and Kelly and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Roger's passing. Uncle Roger was a very loving and caring family man. He always worked so hard on the farm and treasured the livestock he always had. His laughter with his charming smile will never be forgotten by me. He will be deeply missed by everyone, for he was one great man. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
I pray the love of God enfolds you all during your journey through grief.
Sending sincere sympathy, thoughts of comfort, love and hugs from Singapore,
Lori and Marl
I always remember Roger as kind and gentle uncle. He was a good person and his kindness will always live on. My family expresses our sympathies and send warm hugs from Sweden. Brad, Julie, Luke, Laura
Kim, Lavonne, and family,
Thinking of you all! May the thoughts and prayers from those around you provide comfort during this difficult time.
I remember visting at the farm house in the early 80's and had a lt of fun with the girls! My heart goes out to the immediate family as well as his siblings and loved ones
(Daughter of Rita Mae)
Kelly and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. He must have been a great man to have such a wonderful family.
I remember Roger as being a nice, quiet guy who was one grade lower than me at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Springbrook. I have not seen Roger since I left Springbrook, when I was 17. My sympathy to his family. So sorry about the loss.
Lavonne you have our sympathy. May God fill you with his peace and love.
Kim and family,
Keep the faith and know that we are praying for you during this difficult time!
Kelly,
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss! Words just do not suffice at times like this. Please know that you and all your family will be in our thoughts and prayers! Cherish your memories and through them he will live on. May you find some comfort in the support of those who care.
Kim and Family,
Thinking of you! Don't hesitate to call, text, e-mail if there is anything you need. Sending hugs!
Kim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that we are all here for you if you need anything.
Kelly-
Our sympathies on the loss of your dad. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Kim, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in the memories you hold dear.
Kim and family sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kim and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. . . take comfort in your family and friends, smile and laugh at the wonderful / funny memories you all shared, cry when you need to and hug each other often -
Jamie and family
Kim, Tim and Family: very saddened to hear of your loss, Kimer - - hang in there and know all our thoughts are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers to your family in this difficult time.
Lavonne and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you strength and peace knowing Roger no longer has any pain or fear! He is free from all of this! Safe in God's loving arms.
Ron and I will always cherish the time spent at the Gerlach and Riggle family events. Roger always had a smile on his face, and it was apparent that his family was everything to him. Rest in peace dear man.
Kelly and family, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Photos & Videos of Roger
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Healing Registry
Services & Events
VisitationSunday, Sep 30, 20122:00 PM - 5:00 PM | |
Carson Celebration of Life Center | |
ServiceMonday, Oct 1, 20121:30 PM | |
Sacred Heart Catholic Church | |
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