Frank R Gerlach

Frank R. Gerlach Francis (Frank) Richard Gerlach died at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 7, 2008. Frank was born on February 10, 1919 in Fargo, North Dakota. He was the son of Albert and Olga Gerlach. He was educated at St. Mary?s Elementary School and Sacred Heart Academy (Shanley High School) in Fargo. He graduated in 1941 from St. John?s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Following graduation, his first position was with Elsholtz Trucking Company. In 1943, he joined Kelly Brother?s International Harvester Dealer. Then, in 1956, Frank began a twenty-five year career with the U.S. Department of Labor. He held the position of Wage and Hour Compliance Officer in Sioux City, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa and Fargo. Frank retired in 1981 in Omaha, Nebraska after serving six years as Supervisor of Wage and Hour and Public Contracts for the Department of Labor. He then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to assist in his daughter and son-in-law?s business. At this time, he had homes in Indianapolis and Bonita Springs, Florida and loved the time he spent in each place. He was active in St. Leo?s Catholic Church, St. Leo?s Knights of Columbus and Southern Pines Community until his return to Indianapolis in 2007. Mr. Gerlach is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gail Porter Gerlach, daughter; Susan Kobets (Ernest) ? all of Indianapolis, Indiana; sons, Thomas Gerlach (Terry) of Clearwater, Florida; James Gerlach (Julie) of Des Moines, Iowa; John Gerlach (Barbara) of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Marian Skauge of Moorhead, Minnesota; Rose Moe of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Lucille Wayman of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; as well as 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His parents, one sister and two brothers preceded him in death. A prayer service and rosary will be held at Boulger Funeral Home on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be said on Monday, October 13 at 10:00 am at St. Mary?s Cathedral with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fargo. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank?s name to St. John?s University Associates or Fargo Catholic Schools Network.