Jay Daniel Gerlach

Jay Daniel Gerlach, Sr., age 83, of Andover,Ohio, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at University Hospital in Cleveland, OH. He was born July 13, 1929, in Rheems, PA, a son of Paul S. and Pearl (Brehm) Gerlach. Formerly of Gustavus township, Ohio, Mr. Gerlach has lived in Andover for the past seven years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Gerlach was employed as a heavy equipment operator having worked on major highways in Ohio. He also worked for Eastern Petroleum out of Fowler, Ohio, for fifteen years; and he managed several farms for many years. Mr. Gerlach attended the Harvest Baptist Church in Greenville, PA. He and his wife fostered 26 children over the years; and belonged to SOWER, "Service on Wheels Ever Ready" doing missionary work in the Keys and Alabama. He loved to visit people and encourage them, helping them in any way they needed help. He was a people person always giving from his heart. Mr. Gerlach also owned two teams of oxen he was very proud of and took to area fairs and shows. Mr. Gerlach is survived by his wife, Phyllis J. (Teubner) Gerlach, whom he married Feb. 14, 1953, of Andover; a daughter, Vicky (Stephen) Amidon of Andover, OH, a daughter, Linda (Rev. R. Daniel, Jr.) Hammond of Beaverdale, PA, a son, J. Daniel (Tammy) Gerlach of Cherry Valley township, OH, a son, Todd A. (Michelle) Gerlach of Creston, OH, a daughter, Fay (Dan) Burnett of _________________; 19 Grandchildren, Amy, Tammy, Kristy, Kerry, Brad, Ethan, Michaly, Raymond III, Timothy, David, Bryan, RaeLynn, Hayla, Mike, Jon, Tyler, Micah, Daniel, and Uriah; 12 Great Grandchildren, Alexandria, Abigail, Logan, Olivia, Adelynn, Adriana, Emma, Jordan, Alycia, Noah, Jonas, and Ava; two sisters, Marty Grubb of Palmyra, PA, and Jean Imhoff of Lancaster, PA, and a brother, John Gerlach of Mt. Joy, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Kimberly Amidon; and two sisters. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 1:00 PM at the Harvest Baptist Church, 516 E. Jamestown Rd., Greenville, PA. A private interment will take place in Rock Ridge Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Saturday, April 27th from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made C/O Gerlach Family, with the intention of going for a local Habitat for Humanity project. Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service, 134 Prospect St., Andover, OH, handled arrangements with a guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Rock Ridge Cemetery

West Salem Twp. PA

Visitation

Saturday, April 27 2013
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Harvest Baptist Church
516 E. Jamestown Rd.
Greenville PA 16125

Service

Saturday, April 27 2013
1:00 PM

Harvest Baptist Church
516 E. Jamestown Rd.
Greenville PA 16125