Robert Gerlach

Robert Bob Gerlach passed away May 8, 2017 peacefully in his sleep in Great Falls.Bob was born June 7, 1946 in Fort Recovery, Ohio and grew up in Versailles, Ohio, graduating high school in 1964. He attended the Bailey Institute of Technology in St Louis, MO, studying electronics and technology.Bob entered the Army and specialized in electronics and served overseas. He was honorably discharged at Fort Lewis in 1972. After the military, Bob continued his work in electronics and he specialized in office machines and support with a knack for fixing everything. Bob spent many years devoting his time to the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament as a special ministry. Bob met the love of his life, Ellie Phelan, the summer of 1987. Together, they supported the community and Church and remained devoted to one another with a special relationship.Bob had a soft spot for stray cats and gave many of them a warm hug, meal, and often times a life home. Family members remember he loved a good meal and had a hearty laugh and prayer for all he met. Bob did have a gift to make people laugh and look on the bright side of life.As noted in 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elaine Anthony and father Frank Edward Gerlach; and nephew Robert Bobby Reid Brimhall.Family include brothers Edward and Rosalie Gerlach, Tom Gerlach, and Joe and Julie Gerlach; sister Mary Martha and Kent Brimhall; extended family Debbie and Bill Dubel, Wahle and Sue Phelan, John and Cindy Jackson Phelan, Bill and Teri Phelan, Dan and Betty Phelan, Jomarie and Bennett Bliss, Thomas Gerlach, Matt Gerlach, David Brimhall, Daniel Brimhall, Jeremy Brimhall, Heather Arambel, Nicci Zumberge; and numerous nieces and nephews.The vigil service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 410 22nd Avenue NE, Friday, May 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Burial of ashes will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with military honors.Memorials may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bobs name.We wish to thank all of the family, friends, and community members who helped enrich Bobs life and served as a source of strength to him.As Bob said at every meal, Jesus be on our minds, Jesus be on our lips, Jesus be in our heart.