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1927 - 2015
 Janet Elise Gerlach, 87, of Greenville (formerly of Stanton) passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.
She was born on June 30, 1927 in McBride, Michigan, to Ralph and Kari Lillie. It was there that she was raised with three sisters on the family farm.
After high school, she started teaching in a one room schoolhouse at Turk Lake, where she discovered her love for teaching. Her career continued at County Normal and later at Stanton Elementary School. She retired after 35 years, teaching grades 3 and 4. Janet was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students, always looking for the good and pulling out the best qualities in them. This resulted in her often being referred to as my favorite teacher. She was compassionate, fun-loving and patient. Janet earned her teaching degree from Central Michigan University.
In 1947, she married a Marine Corp veteran from Sheridan, Harold Gerlach. They gave birth to three children; Jeff, Debbie, and Trudy. Due to the limited medical advancements at that time, Harold passed away in 1964, leaving Janet a widow at the age of 36. She then devoted her life to her children and continued this devotion with her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
Janet is survived by her son, Jeff (Kathy) Gerlach of Greenville, and daughters Debbie (Bill) Schmoekel of Maumee, OH and Trudy (Mark) Petersen of Greenville, MI. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Chad Gerlach, Hayley Gerlach (McGee), Tara Carter (Schmoekel), Brad Schmoekel, Erik Schmoekel, Kayla Petersen and Devon Petersen; three great-grandchildren, Brinley, Hudson and Mia and along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, and four sisters; Nina, Nora, Florence and Kathyrn.
Visitation will be at 12:00 noon Saturday, March 14 at the First Congregational Church in Greenville with the funeral following at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Chad Gerlach Foundation, in honor of her grandson with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy.
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There are currently 14 condolences.
Tammy (Miller) Hancock
Wednesday March 18, 2015 at
4:38 PM
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What a wonderful lady! My "all-time" favorite teacher. I loved her so much that at 13 I spent 6 weeks of my summer vacation getting up at 6:00 a.m. only to ride my bike to the elementary school to help her with her migrant program. She will never be forgotten. She was truly loved by all.
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Connie & Dave Byers
Saturday March 14, 2015 at
11:37 AM
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Please know that you are in our thoughts and prays. May God bless you with wonderful memories.
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Janet & Bob Brundage
Saturday March 14, 2015 at
10:05 AM
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. May God comfort you in this time of sad loss.
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Donna Reinke
Friday March 13, 2015 at
1:59 PM
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What a wonderful legacy Mrs. Gerlach leaves behind. As one of her former students, I have fond memories of her excellent teaching skills and pleasant disposition. My sympathy to her family. May her spirit remain nearby for a long time giving you comfort.
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Beth (Carter) Rutter
Friday March 13, 2015 at
1:14 PM
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Trudy, your Mom was one of my all time favorite teachers. May God give you and your family comfort in your time of loss.
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Mike Jensen
Friday March 13, 2015 at
12:00 PM
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Jeff, I'm sorry to hear about your loss of your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Don and Becki Haist
Friday March 13, 2015 at
9:10 AM
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Dear Gerlach family..... what a special lady she was! One that was so nice and loved you all so very much! You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
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Gerald and Kati (Christensen) Goodell
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
2:20 PM
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Your mother was one of our favorite teachers--always so caring and kind and such a lady. We just appreciate the impact she made on our lives and the good memories of her in 4th grade and later, as we talked with her in later years. God bless and comfort each of you.
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Dennis and Kari Ann Chapin
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
1:35 PM
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We will miss her so much. She was an exceptional lady and will forever be my favorite aunt. It gives me some peace (and I hope it does for you also) to know she is up in heaven with my parents and I'm sure Mom and Janet are giggling. Love to all of you.
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BETSY CURTIS
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
1:09 PM
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Mrs. Gerlach was indeed a favorite teacher!!! I was one of her students at Turk Lake all those years ago and she was wonderful! My condolences to her family.
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Tom & Nan Carter
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
12:50 PM
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To all of Janet's kids,
What a special lady she was. She was a special friend to my Mom (Doris Reed) for many years. Enjoyed talking with her myself. Our Mom's were some of the best teachers around! I'm sure you are very proud of her impact she had on kids over the years. Will be praying for you as you go through these difficult days.
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Jeanette Christensen Emmons
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
11:25 AM
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Sending my sympathy and prayers in the loss of your mom.
She was a gracious lady and I enjoyed working with her at Stanton El back in the 60's.
May you each sense the presence of God's comfort today and in weeks to come.
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Marvin and Janice Neitzel
Thursday March 12, 2015 at
10:05 AM
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Mark and Trudy. Sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers go out to you at this time.
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Jerry Jones
Wednesday March 11, 2015 at
7:13 PM
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Trudy & Mark & family,
I am saddened to learn of Janet's passing She was far more than merely a member of the Congregational Church. Janet was a dear friend. I had watched her face health challenges and grow weaker. Never once did she ever put her suffering over the challenges of others. She was deeply concerned in family, neighbors, and friends&.as unselfish in caring as anyone I've ever known. She will truly be missed. Your loss is shared by all of us who knew and loved her. May you find peace and healing in the certain knowing she is now at rest and fully restored to new life in the fullness of God's love.
Be well,
Jerry Jones
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