Marie Gerlach

Marie Arlene Gerlach, née Craker, longtime resident of Hallie, passed into her heavenly father's arms Saturday, September 9 at Mayo Luther Hospital, Eau Claire.

She was born February 6, 1928, in Eau Claire to Nando and Olga Craker. She was one of six children and grew up on a farm mostly in the Fairchild area.

She graduated from Fairchild High school in 1946. She worked as a secretary for Gillette Rubber Company (Uniroyal). She met Ed Gerlach the fall of 1946 and they married in March 1950. She worked as a homemaker raising three children, Bill, David, and Ann.

She was an active member and volunteer at Pinehurst Lutheran Church. She was involved for many years with Christian Women's Club, Ladies Aid, and Bethesda Thrift Store.

Interests included traveling, gardening, and picture taking.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lee Craker; sister, Gloria Gruenwald; and her husband, Ed.

She is survived by her three children: Bill (Cheryl Hamilton) of Erie, Colorado; David (Mary) of Appleton WI, and Ann Gerlach of Rochester, MN. She is also survived by her sisters, Doris (Robert) Linsley of Grafton, Leah Knuth of Menomonie, Bonnie (Donald) Bequette of Mankato, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Anna Mae Craker of Eau Claire; and brother-in-law, Donald Gruenwald of Fond du Lac.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, September 12 at the Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 East Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Reverend Paul Sullivan, Pinehurst Lutheran Church. Graveside committal will ensue at Prairie View Cemetery, Hallie.

Any remembrance donations will be gratefully accepted for Pinehurst Lutheran Church. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff at Wissota Place, Mayo Palliative Care, and the staff and chaplains at Mayo Luther Hospital.