Harlin W. Gerlach

Harlin W. Gerlach, age 84, of Island City died November 5, 2012 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Island City Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Harlin was born on July 20, 1928, the son of Henry and Hilda (Isaac) Gerlach in Madrid, Nebraska. When he was 12 years of age the family moved to La Grande where he graduated from high school with the class of 1947. He was married to Emma LaVelle Hemphill on November 5, 1955 in La Grande. In 1950 he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War in Germany. After his honorable discharge he worked as a highway engineer for the Oregon State Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1988 after 40 years with them. He was a member of the La Grande Elks Lodge #433, the Eagles Lodge #259 and the American Legion.

Survivors include his daughter, Tammy Lee Gerlach of Scappoose; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister, Donna Booth of Ontario; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Terri Lynn Gerlach, his wife, LaVelle in 2008 and his brother Ronald Gerlach.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the charity of one's choice.

"He said he wanted to come home, he was ready. So we built him a ramp, cleaned the leaves, polished the furniture and now it's all set for his arrival. No more poking at the hospital, no more terrible food, lousy beds or shared rooms. Time to come home where you and grandma started our family and taught us grand kids so much about life and character. I know you've missed grandma and want to see her, November 5th was your anniversary but the house is clean and secure so time to rest at home where you guys raised your 2 daughters. It's ready grandpa and so are we. We know you're ready too, so come home and rest, we are all ready.... "Harlin Gerlach, July 20th 1928- November 5, 2012 by Matt Gerlach, NSCA-CPT

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