Monday, March 18th, 2013
Dominic Gerlach
Rev. Dominic Gerlach, C.PP.S., 92, St. Charles Center, died at 6 p.m. March 16, 2013, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
He was born Dec. 11, 1921, in Carthagena to Henry and Catherine Fullenkamp Gerlach. He entered the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1938 and was ordained a priest May 18, 1950.
He is survived by his sister, LaVerne Gerlach, Celina.
Two brothers, Ambrose and Theodore, preceded him in death.
He studied history at St. Louis University after his ordination and was then assigned to St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., which is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. He was a professor of history and German at the college for many years and served as its archivist. He also held leadership positions within the community, serving two terms as local director in the 1980s.
In recent years, he lived in retirement at St. Charles Center. His passion for history and research, his love and commitment to his religious community and his faith never flagged.
Mass of Christian Burial is 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Center, Rev. Larry Hemmelgarn, C.PP.S., presiding. Burial will follow in the community cemetery.
Calling is 1-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Memorials may be given to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.
