JOHN E. GERLACH

John E. Gerlach, age 85, of Olmsted Twp., passed away Thursday, March 13, 2008, at EMH Regional Medical Center, Elyria, following a short illness.Born in Chicago, Ill., was a resident of Olmsted Twp. for nine years.

He previously lived in Gold Bar, Washington and Seattle.

He served in the US Navy during WWII in the Asiatic-pacific Theater receiving nine bronze stars and the Philippine Liberation he received one bronze star. He also received a Presidential Citation.

Mr. Gerlach worked as a truck driver for the University of Washington for 20 years, retiring in 1982.

Survivors include his daughter, Laurie (Thomas) Carpenter of North Ridgeville; a niece and nephew and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 1999; sisters, Ann Kuehl, Ruth McGolerick and parents Victor and Hedvig Gerlach.

Friends may call from 2-4PM Sunday at the David Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday in the funeral home. Rev. Chuck Behrens, will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Westlake where Post 9871, North Ridgeville will conduct full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assoc., PO Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216.

For more information or to send an online condolence, please visitwww.davidbognerfamilyfuneralhome.com