Jean Gerlach

Dates

July 23, 1945 - March 10, 2025

Obituary

Jean Gerlach, 79, of Plankinton, SD, passed away at Firesteel Healthcare Center under Hospice Care with family at her side on March 10, 2025, to be with her Lord. Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Monday, March 17, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Plankinton. Burial will be at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton. Visitation will be Sunday, March 16, from 2-4:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 3:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of Jean’s funeral service can be viewed at: https://www.stpaulplankinton.com/services

Jean Annette Gerlach was born July 23, 1945, the first child to Chet and Lucille (Leith) Clawson in Madison, SD. Jean and her brother, Tom, grew up in the Howard area. In 1957, the family moved to Mitchell. Jean graduated from Mitchell High School in 1963.

On May 25, 1963, Jean married her lifelong sweetheart, Larry. Together they farmed in the Plankinton/Mt. Vernon areas before settling south of Plankinton. They raised their four daughters on the family farm. Welcoming everyone into their home, Jean ALWAYS had a hot pot of coffee and warm goodies on the counter to share. Jean enjoyed coffee hour, even if it led up to her making a homemade meal, as we all know, she made the best fried hamburgers with mashed potatoes & milk gravy. The grands and great-grands always enjoyed going to Grandma & Grandpa’s house and helping with chores, especially the chicken chores.

Jean enjoyed gardening, canning, and raising chickens, which brought many people to the farm for fresh eggs and a visit. Jean also loved to go shopping, especially if she could tag along with one of the girls for the day. Jean worked various jobs in the Plankinton area, but one of her favorites was driving bus for the Plankinton School District for 20 years.

Jean was a faithful member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she was the Sunday School Superintendent and taught for many years. She was also an avid member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Ladies Aid.

Survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Larry; four daughters, Kim (Todd) Lynde of Sioux Falls, Lisa (Guy) Seto of Peoria, AZ, Debra (Steven) Pickart of Stickney, and Jolene (Matt) Baker of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren: Joshua (Letty), Kassy (Zach), Janessa (Travis), Justin (Steph), Anna (Brady), Emily and Zach; great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Noah, Jeremiah, Kailee, Zane, Addy, Blake, Charlie, Joseph, Ian, Emmett, and Lucas; one brother, Tom of Oregon; sisters-in-law, Maxine Schmig, Marlys Nelson both of Mitchell, Bernice Kollman of Plankinton; and brother-in-law, Dale (Vicki) Gerlach of Plankinton. She is also adored her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Lucille Clawson, and in-laws, Lenny and Rosie Gerlach.

Jean will be missed by her husband, her family, and her many friends.

Visitation(s)

Date
Sunday, March 16, 2025

Time
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location
3:30 PM Prayer Service

Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Monday, March 17, 2025

Time
10:30 AM

Location
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
109 W State St
Plankinton, SD 57368

Cemetery

Mizpah Cemetery
Plankinton, SD

Posted by Cindy and Terry Hoffman on March 18, 2025

Jean was such a great role model in our church and in our community, I always enjoyed being around her. Jean and Larry set such great standards to follow. Love and Hugs to Larry and Family

Posted by Polly Olsen on March 14, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Larry and the entire Gerlach family. I have known Jean and Larry for many years. I have had the pleasure for the past few months to see them weekly. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with them. Jean was such a great joy. To see her smile was priceless. She will be truly missed. God bless and hugs to Larry and the entire family.

Posted by Kelly Selland on March 14, 2025

I taught in Plankinton when Jean and Larry drove school bus. She always had a smile for everyone! My sympathy to Larry and their entire family!

Posted by Darlene Berheim Hallem on March 14, 2025

I thought of Jean many times after moving to Pierre. She was always positive and delightful to be around. I look at her pic now and feel myself smiling back at her. God bless your family & memories for such a beautiful wife and mother.

Posted by Joe & Jan Schlimgen on March 13, 2025

Larry & Jean were bus drivers when we were in Plankinton school. Jean always had a smile and enjoyed the kids. We know she will be missed by many. Sympathy to her family.

Posted by Stace Nelson on March 12, 2025

Aunt Jean, Thank you for so many wonderful memories! The world is a much less place in your passing. The only thing more incredible than your legendary wit and humor, was your wonderful kind heart. You single handedly turned me into a die hard peach fanatic. Some of the happiest times of my life were in your kitchen during harvest. Rest in peace knowing you blessed the world with 4 amazing women who have expanded your brilliance in their own rights. May the Good Lord bless & keep you always, and comfort & keep Uncle Larry, your daughters, and grandchildren. Thank you Aunt Jean for being the amazing person you were.

Posted by Joshua Manning on March 12, 2025

Grandma,

I will miss you so much. I wish I could have been around you more! I will never forget your morning wake up calls by whistling and signing loud for everyone in the house to hear. Your cheer made it easier for a non-morning person like me to wake up! I will miss your patented pop-sound with your thumb in your cheek. The chickens will miss your great care on the farm. The last call I had with you was so sweet and wonderful, I wasn't able to tell that anything was wrong at all. I'm jealous of you getting to be with Jesus, seeing His open arms for you, and feeling His embrace. I wish I could hug you right now. I wish I could be at the party they are having for you. I love you and I'm blessed to know you. Until I get to see you again, I will deeply miss you.

Posted by Letticia Manning on March 12, 2025

Such a sweet genuine caring beautiful woman whose smile shined so bright. I am glad ive gotten to meet you and cherished simple moments while visiting with our family.
The boys will always remember your sweet soul. “Grandmothers hold such precious memories for us. Those memories created will never be lost. Take heart. As time
goes by your memories will become even sweeter.” “I’m sorry for your loss.I pray that in this difficult time, the love of God shelters you. Until we meet again

Posted by Nadine Juhnke on March 12, 2025

So Sorry hearing about your LOSS SHE WAS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE SHE IS NOW AT WITH THE LORD

Posted by Pam Martin on March 12, 2025

I’m so sorry to read about your mom’s passing Jolene! She was such a funny lady! You will miss her as well as all of her other family and friends! Will be praying for you 🙏🙏💕✝️ Pam and Dennis Martin

Posted by Tricia Merriam Sundeen on March 12, 2025

Such a wonderful lady with a great smile and happy laugh!!!

Posted by Britt Bruner on March 12, 2025

Always liked her! She had that beautiful smile on her lips every day, all day! Great lady! You are in my heart and prayers.

Posted by Kris Kieffer on March 12, 2025

Such a special lady. Always wore that neat smile.

Posted by Kelly Carlson on March 12, 2025

Sincere condolences Kim and Todd from the entire Sanford Family. May God wrap you in his warmth and provide comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.

Posted by Cindy Mullivan Coyle on March 12, 2025

So sorry Larry and family on the loss of your beloved Jean. Hugs and prayers. 😢🙏✝️

Posted by Paul & Karen Schneider on March 12, 2025

You will be missed sweet lady. RIP

Posted by Dorothy on March 11, 2025

To all of Jeans family we send our deepest sympathies. Jean was a very sweet lady and I’m glad I had the pleasure of working with her even if it was a short time.
Jim and Dorothy Tipton

Posted by Liz Parce on March 11, 2025

Jean was such a nice person! I taught at Plankinton during some of the tears that she and Larry drove bus. Always had a smile and asked how I was doing. Sympathy to Larry and her family.

Posted by Jody Nunez on March 11, 2025

Sorry for your loss! She was a sweet lady!

Posted by Michelle Ruff on March 11, 2025

So sorry for your loss...I didn't know her long she touched my heart as well as her daughters and her husband. May she rest in peace🙏

Posted by Juanita and David Edinger on March 11, 2025

Sending our condolences and love. Jean was a very dear lady and always had a smile for us. God bless you.