C. “Dean” Gerlach, age 89, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Brookside Care Center.
Dean was born on July 29, 1932 to the late Clarence and Marie Gerlach. Siblings included James Gerlach, Bruce Gerlach and Shirley Johnson, all deceased.
On May 28th, 1955, he married the love of his life and leaves behind, Kathleen (Kathy) Lois Boyd, married for nearly 67 years. Dean is also survived by five children, Karen (Barry) Bertollini, Kim (Steve) Salowitz, Leslie (Daryl) Merrill, Dean (Michelle) Gerlach, and Ryan (Liane) Gerlach, as well as sixteen grand and sixteen great-grandchildren. His daughter, Kristi Anne Gerlach preceded him in death in 1986.
Dean’s two great life joys were his family and golfing. A devoted family man, “Gramps” was full of laughter and fun. His happiest moments were when his family was gathered together. He was a passionate and talented golfer and enjoyed his times on the course with the guys. Dean served in the Navy. A talented diver, Dean was lauded for diving off ship to save a fellow shipmate who had fallen in. He was a member of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church. A plumber by trade, Dean was employed by Kaelber Plumbing, and a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 118.
