Frances Gerlach

Dates

Obituary

Frances Gerlach, 97, of Ethan, SD, died Thursday, November 2, 2023 at her home. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 7, at Amazing Grace Free Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Frances Clara Gerlach was born August 28, 1926, to Rudolph and Paulina Janish in Tripp, SD. When Frances was four years old the family moved to Kimball, SD and later moved to Delmont, SD. She received her education in Kimball and Delmont.

Frances married Eitel Gerlach and lived 32 years together on a farm near Mt. Vernon before moving to Mitchell. Eitel passed away in July of 1998. They took a vacation every year with family and visited all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. They took two vacations in Europe, visiting many countries. Frances traveled to the Holy Land, also visiting Egypt and Jordan. They were also weekend parents to students from other countries who were attending Dakota Wesleyan University.

Frances sang in church choirs for 50 years. She worked various jobs and did elder care.

Frances was the most wonderful mother, and the greatest gift to her children was faith in Jesus.

Frances is survived by her sons, Roger of Salem and Richard (Evonne) of Mt. Vernon; daughters, Doreen (Jim) Frusti of Rochester, MN and Tamara (Jeff) Lauder of St. Germain, WI; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren; and special person, Sondra Knickrehm.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eitel Gerlach; daughter, Gloria Graves; granddaughter, Heidi Gerlach; daughter-in-law, Bernie Gerlach; grandson, Kelly Graves; brother, Rudy Janish; and sister, LaVonne Hafner.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and those who have cared for Frances over the years.

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