Harold Gerlach

The organic garden world in Cape Girardeau lost one of its finest upon the death of leading tomato grower Harold Lee Gerlach, 87, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

He was born to Paul G. and Hattie Maevers Gerlach on July 16, 1928 in rural Cape Girardeau.

Harold was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills, confirmed at Trinity Lutheran in Cape Girardeau in 1942, and graduated from College High School in 1946. He worked as a meat cutter for Kroger's for over 40 years.

Harold served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict in Okinawa from 1950 to 1952.

On June 27, 1954, he married Maxine McLain at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills. She survives.

Harold and Maxine were blessed with two sons, Rob (Joan) of Austin, Texas, and Terry (Kim) in Cape Girardeau, and two brothers, Bob (Dora Jean) and Paul D. (Mary), both in Cape Girardeau. Harold dearly loved his family, including grandchildren Terry Lee Gerlach of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Daniel (Marcie) of Austin, Tyler Gerlach (Megan) of Cape Girardeau, Brian Gerlach of Houston, Lori Gerlach of Austin and Travis (Veda) Gerlach of Cape Girardeau; a great-grandson, Nathan Gerlach of Austin; and nephews, nieces ... and cousins galore.

Camping, fishing and hunting were among his favorite outdoor sports, but researching the latest, greatest tomato plants and keeping the varmints away from the garden and fruit orchard were a passion. He kept much of Cape Girardeau eating tomatoes. Thursday-night card games and Hanover Lutheran's sausage suppers were also activities he enjoyed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tony Kobak officiating. Entombment with military honors will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorials may be given to the Hanover Lutheran building fund or Saxony Lutheran High School.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.