Obituary: Shirley M. Gerlach

March 25, 1944 ~ July 26, 2020

Shirley M. Gerlach, 76, of Sturgeon Bay died at home Sunday morning July 26, 2020.

She was born March 25, 1944 the daughter of the late William Joseph and Mabel Kate (Charles) Jandrin. Shirley graduated from Algoma High School. She worked for Service Master Cleaning for many years.

On June 4, 1983, she married Henry Gerlach, Sr. at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on February 23, 2018.  

Shirley was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Valmy. She loved polka music, being outdoors on the farm with Henry and her family, and yes, watching wrestling, the WWE.

Survivors include her sons, Steve (Brenda Johnson) Rathe of Sturgeon Bay, Brian (fiancé’, Elizabeth White) Rathe of Menasha, Wayne Rathe, and Henry Gerlach, Jr. both of Sturgeon Bay; grandchildren, Harmonii Gerlach, Alicia Rathe, and Brandon Honzik; and brothers, Bill (Jean) Jandrin and Lawrence Jandrin; and sisters-in-law, Janet Jandrin and Rosie Jandrin.

Proceeding her in death are her parents; son, Donald; brothers, Roger Jandrin and Andrew Jandrin; and sister-in-law, Mildred Jandrin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Burial by her husband, Henry and son, Donald will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in West Jacksonport.

Friends may call at Huehns Funeral Home Friday from 12:00 noon until the time of services at 2:00 p.m.

“The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for the care given to our mother, and to Pastor Enstad for the comfort he offered in God’s Word and his visits.”

Social distancing will be observed at the funeral home, masks will be required, and hand sanitizer provided along with temperature checks at door. 25% occupancy (total of 50 people) for the service will be followed. “Like” the “Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC” Facebook page and watch the service live on (Facebook) starting at 1:55 p.m. Friday.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Shirley may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.