SINSINAWA — Fr. John Gerlach, OP, of the Dominican Center at Sinsinawa, Wis., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at Unity Point Health — The Finley Hospital, Dubuque, Iowa.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at Queen of Rosary Chapel, Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa. After the funeral at the Mound, another will follow at St. Vincent Ferrer’s Parish, River Forest, Ill., on Monday, December 2, 2013, with burial in Chicago.
The Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.
Father Gerlach was a beloved friend and brother to the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters as chaplain at the Sinsinawa Motherhouse for 18 years. He also loved and served the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Ill., as their chaplain for 12 years. In the province of St. Albert the Great, he served with his brother Dominicans in other ministries as teacher, novice master (St. Rose Priory in Dubuque), prior, pastoral associate, and member of the provincial council.
Fr. John (Harold) Gerlach was born on February 2, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, and joined the Order of Preachers (Dominican) in 1956. He made his solemn profession of vows in 1960 and was ordained to the priesthood in April, 1963. He celebrated his golden jubilee this spring.
Father Gerlach is survived by a brother, Howard (Carol) Gerlach; and sisters, Estelle Gerlach and Jean Raih (Dan); nieces and nephews; and his Dominican Brothers and Sisters with whom he shared his life for 53 years.
Online condolences may be left at www.millerfhed.com