Frances Gerlach

Frances Gerlach


Dates

August 28, 1926 - November 2, 2023

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.


Visitation(s)

Date
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Time
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location
Amazing Grace Free Lutheran Church
212 W 2nd St
Mt Vernon, SD 57363

Service

Date
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Time
10:30 AM
Location
Amazing Grace Free Lutheran Church
212 W 2nd St
Mt Vernon, SD 57363

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Cemetery
Mitchell, SD


Posted by Wendy Benson on November 7, 2023
Roger, Richard, and family. Scott and I are so sorry for your loss. I've never met Frances but since children are a reflection of their parents, I'd conclude that she was very sweet and of excellent character. May God bless you and give you comfort at this time.
Posted by Elaine Berndt Family on November 6, 2023
Our sincere condolences and prayers to your family on the passing of your mother, Frances. She was a special lady and a wonderful friend to our family, especially to our late mother, Elaine. They had many good times together that mom treasured throughout her life. Heaven has truly gained a generous and loving soul. Regards, Karen Bertsch, Kathy Struck, and Cindy Woychik.
Posted by Ed, Annie And Anhony Frusti on November 6, 2023
All of our love and prayers to you and your family. Frances was a sweet and gentle lady. So kind to all of us. She will be missed
Posted by Beverly Freeman Morse on November 5, 2023
Prayers for the Gerlach family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by Laura Gerlach on November 5, 2023
Good memories of bowling with your mom and dad in Parkston. What a blessing to have a mom who is a Christian!
Posted by Dick and Carol Kunkel on November 4, 2023
Roger and family. Sincere sympathy, so hard to say goodbye to your Mom. May God's blessings be with you in the days ahead.
Posted by Darrel Gstohl on November 4, 2023
Prayers and sympathy to Roger and siblings on the loss of your Mother Frances.
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