Jim L. Gerlach, 65, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Sanford Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Jim was born September 11, 1947 at Parkston, SD to Emil and Helen (Dahlke) Gerlach. He started school at Baker Country School #39 and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1965. Jim attended Stewarts School of Hairstyling and worked in Sioux Falls until he was drafted into the United States Army. After his discharge, Jim married Diane Palmer on November 12, 1967 at Dell Rapids, SD. They moved to Flandreau, SD in 1969 and he worked at the Lady Bug and then Personal Touch where he was currently working. Jim was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, served on the church council, was Past Grand Patron of the Order of Eastern Star and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge. He was the Moody County Selective Service Officer for twenty years. Jim was a member of El Riad Shrine and enjoyed getting circus tickets to children. He was also an avid Twins and Vikings fan.
Jim is survived by his wife Diane, two children, Shane (Donelle), Yankton, Nicolle (Randy) Geuke, Deadwood, four grandchildren, Brittany, Andrew (Brianna), and Cierra Morris and Derek Gerlach, two great-grandchildren, Avery Morris and Easton Morris, three sisters, Sharon (Harold) Guericke, Mitchell, Marlene (Dale) Wintemute, Madrid, Spain, Cheryl (Kenny) Schuman, Mitchell, three brothers, Gerald (Dianne), Fargo, Bob, Minneapolis, Steve (Jenny), Mt. Vernon, SD, three sisters-in-law, Bette Gerlach, Alliance, NE, Lois Gerlach, Stickney, Barb Palmer, Sioux Falls, many nieces and nephews, Jim’s beauty shop family, Dave and Deb Feske, Janel Kneebone and special friends, Mike and Kathi Wede and Gail Mooney. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Walter and Evelyn Palmer and two brothers, Gary and Ron.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm prayer service.
For online condolences, visit www.skrochfc.com