Francis "Frank" Edward Gerlach

Francis “Frank” Edward Gerlach, age 96, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at South Grove Lodge Senior Living in Austin. Frank was born October 5, 1928, in Austin, to Francis and Irene (Ponto) Gerlach. He attended country school and graduated from Pacelli High School. After graduation he attended electrical trade school in Chicago. On January 16, 1951, Frank entered the United States Army, proudly serving our country until his honorable discharge on December 15, 1952. He married Rose Mary Anderson in 1954 and later divorced. On April 28, 1979, Frank was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Fischer in Rochester, Minnesota. He was employed with Austin Public Utilities for 40 years, beginning as a lineman in the electrical department until his retirement as a supervisor in 1988. Frank served as a Boy Scout leader and 4-H leader. He was also a charter member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Austin, belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association, and liked attending the Oshkosh Air Show. Frank loved his family, traveling, and collecting. He also enjoyed woodworking, photography, and reading.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; children, David Gerlach, Marianne Bremer, Lori Stadheim, and Susan (Robert) Bailey; stepdaughters, Julie Fischer, Jeanne (David Hofland) Fischer, and Jo Ellen (Marvin) Schmitt; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Philip Gerlach, Carl (Kathy) Gerlach, John (Bonnie) Gerlach, and Allan (Carolyn) Gerlach; sisters, RoseMary (Ron) Malicki and Margene (Wallace) Culbert; and sister-in-law, Joanne Gerlach. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Irene Gerlach; brothers, Robert (Donna) Gerlach and Thomas Gerlach; sister, Carolyn at age three; and sisters-in-law, Merrie Gerlach and Marie Gerlach.

Frank’s family would like to thank the staff of Moments Hospice, South Grove Lodge, and special friend, Jean Crews, for the wonderful care given to him.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Austin, with Father Thien Nguyen officiating. The visitation will be held one prior to Mass at the church. A private interment will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Mower County Historical Society, or St. Edward Catholic Church.