Paul E. Gerlach

Paul E. Gerlach, 86, of Benton Harbor, passed away at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, on Sunday, January 23, 2005. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, January 27, 2005, at 1:00 pm at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Monsignor Tom Martin officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home following the service by Coloma American Legion Post 362, VFW Post 1137 of Benton Harbor, and VFW Post 6803 of Watervliet. A private burial with the family will take place at a later date, in Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Friends may call on the family from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, also at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, Stevensville or Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Friends wishing to send the family a condolence message may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Paul was born to Ulrich and Elta Gerlach on April 6, 1918, in Kenton, Ohio. Paul entered the Army on January 21, 1942 and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1946. On April 5, 1953 he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Hoffman in Chicago, IL. Paul managed the VFW 1137 Post for 10 years before his semi-retirement. Paul is survived by his wife Jackie of Benton Harbor; daughters ? Susan Borrelli of St. Joseph, Patti Gerlach of Benton Harbor, and Lori (PJ) Marciniak of St. Joseph; sister ? Thelma Kern of Bucyrus, Ohio; brother ? Norm of Wildwood, Florida; grandchildren ? Amanda Borrelli, Kane, Hannah and Amelia Marciniak all of St. Joseph; and step-granddaughter ? Jenny Swartz of Kentland, IN. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Robert; his son-in-law Charles Borrelli; and his step-granddaughter Catherine Borrelli.Paul treasured his time with his family ? spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren was his greatest love.