Wilis H. Gerlach

Willis H. Gerlach, 90, formerly of Pequea Twp., passed away Tuesday morning, January 10, 2017 at Luther Acres, Lititz. Born on June 2, 1926, he was the son of the late Harry H. and Anna May Huber Gerlach. Willis was the husband of Catherine I. Mellinger Gerlach who survives him. Willis was a graduate of Lampeter High School. As a young man, Willis worked as a farmhand for several farmers. He worked for Turkey Hill Dairies as a door to door milk and ice cream delivery man and was a dock foreman at the Turkey Hill Lancaster East warehouse. He worked several years for Nauman Construction in New Danville in Masonry and Door Shop. Willis worked for Philhaven in the housekeeping department and he enjoyed his last job at Stauffers of Kissel Hill. Willis was known as a whistler and singer. He was a member of New Danville Mennonite Church and enjoyed singing with the Men's district chorus. He loved wood working, tinkering with watches and clocks, gardening and helping harvest tobacco. Family meant alot to Willis and his is survived by his wife, Catherine; sons, John W., husband of Nancy Whitman Gerlach of Lancaster and Douglas M. Gerlach of Manheim; daughters, Lois J. Gerlach of Manheim and Judy M., wife of Jonathan Beltz of Lancaster; grandchildren, Melissa Iwaszko, Kimberly Watson, James C. Kutz, Jonathan Beltz, Jr. and Matthew Beltz; great granddaughters, Briana Heymann and Halle Iwaszko along with his sister, Esther, wife of Robert Miller of Pequea Twp. Willis was preceded in death by his son, D. Marlin Gerlach, his brother Paul H. Gerlach and his sisters, Clara Mackison and Ruth Bender. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Willis' funeral service on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11AM from the New Danville Mennonite Church, 103 Marticville Road, Lancaster with Pastor Robert Brody and Pastor Jay Garber officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Friday from 10 to 11AM. Interment will be held in the adjoining church cemetery. Please omit flowers, memorial remembrances may be made in Willis' memory to Philanthropy Office at Luthercare, 600 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543. For other information please call 717-872-1779 or to submit an online condolence visit www.thegundelchapel.com.

Wilis H. Gerlach

June 2, 1926 - January 10, 2017