by goldcoop » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:57 pm
FYI a re-post:
Not happy news, it is the obit. of the owner , BUT, I thought it would be of interest...
Karl H. Gerlt 1919-2007
Western Reserve #507
Karl H. Gerlt
WEST FARMINGTON — Karl H. Gerlt, 87, of West Farmington, died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at his home from lung cancer.
He was born Aug. 22, 1919, in Bremerhaven, Germany, the son of Emil and Charlotte Gerlt.
He came to the United States, with his parents and two bothers Emil and Helmut. They settled in New Jersey, where he graduated from Bagota High School.
He enlisted in the Army at the start of World War II. He received the Commission of 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps and was later promoted to Captain.
Karl was transferred to the Military Intelligence Corp., serving with Supreme Head Quarters Allied Expeditionary Forces. He also served in the occupation force of Berlin, Germany, commanding the office of Communications.
Upon discharge from the Army, he married Velma Coster. They settled in West Farmington. He worked as an electrician for Ohio Lamp of Warren for 16 years, before purchasing Metzendorf Trailer Plant, in West Farmington, where he built travel trailers for 18 years. He then worked for the Village of West Farmington Water Treatment Plant, until he retired at age 71.
He lived to the fullest, serving many organizations. He was a member of the West Farmington School Board, serving as President for more than nine years. He was a lifelong member of West Farmington Methodist Church and served on the church board. He was a life member of VFW Post No. 7200 where he was a past Commander. He was a member of Western Reserve Lodge No. 507, serving as treasurer for many years. He served as Master in 2000, at the age of 80, celebrating their 125th year. He was a member of Alpha Chapter No. 44, where he served twice as Patron with his wife Anne. He served on the Rainbow Girls Advisory Board. In 2001, he was honored as the Parade Marshal for the annual Farmington Festival. He was past President and treasurer of the Warren Amateur Radio Association, taking part in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Seidlarczyk Gerlt, whom he married May 25, 1968; his children, Charles Gerlt of Pueblo, Colo., Dorothy (Joseph) Cleer and Karl James (Vicki) Gerlt, both of West Farmington, Lisa (Kurt) Ehas of Reynoldsburg; stepchildren, Dave Seidlarczyk, of Chipewa Lake, Bill Seidlarczyk of Huston, Texas, Debra Hawkins, of Middlefield, and James (Janice) Seidlarczyk of Milton, Fla.; and 14 grandchildren, Alberta Nelson, Hannah Flemming, Charles Gerlt, Gideon Gerlt, Joseph Cleer, Robert Cleer, Emily Cleer, Christopher Gerlt, Alicia Gerlt, Reed Gerlt-Ehas, Megan Seidlarczyk, Billie Seidlarczyk, Adam Hawkins and Tina Hawkins; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, Velma Coster Gerlt, and brother Helmut Gerlt.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home in Warren followed by the funeral service at 7 p.m. A Western Reserve Lodge Service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Pastors Thomas Fish and James George will be officiating.. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2007, at the West Farmington Methodist Church, followed by a VFW Military Service at the Hillside Cemetery in West Farmington.
In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made to the Senior Center, 251 Fourth St., West Farmington, 44491.
Cheers,
Coop
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