Kevin Gerlach

Kevin K. Gerlach, 74, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Salem, Missouri.

He was born Aug. 12, 1942, in Cape Girardeau to Edward Martin and Louise Caroline Kirchhoff Gerlach.

The youngest of three sons, he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Egypt Mills. He attended both College High School and Cape Girardeau Central High School, graduating in 1960 from Central.

He and Mary Ellen Blanchard were wed Jan. 27, 1963, in Cape Girardeau. She passed away Dec. 29, 2007.

Gerlach served his country in the Army and Army National Guard, was an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance for 27 years, and drove for Enterprise Rent-A-Car for 22 years.

He was a faithful member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church for 53 years, serving in many roles, including the board of directors for Camp SEMO at Wappapello, and was very active in many other community organizations, including Jackson Trail Riders, Cape Jaycees, the Noon Optimist Club (charter member) and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (certified judge).

He enjoyed travel, motorcycling, trout fishing, camping and boating, always with family and friends; and never met a stranger, only new friends.

Survivors include a son, Keith K. (Lisa) Gerlach of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter, Gail E. (Darren) Estes of Jackson; grandchildren, Pfc. Kohl Gerlach, USMC of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Leah Gerlach, Anna Estes and Gabriel Estes; loving friend and companion, Sharon K. Kirchhoff of Cape Girardeau; sisters-in-law, Mary Gerlach of Herculaneum, Missouri, Veroncett Gerlach of Cape Girardeau and Lisa Davis of Chaffee, Missouri; and eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Wendell Gerlach and Richard Gerlach; and nephew, Steven W. Gerlach.

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

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. John Dehne officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to the mission fund at St. Andrew Lutheran Church or to www.ALSA.org.

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