John �Jack� H. Gerlach

John "Jack" H. GerlachMonday, December 19, 2005 John "Jack" H. Gerlach, age 87, of rural Viroqua, died Monday, December 19, 2005 at his home. He was born December 29, 1918 in Kenosha, WI to Joseph and Anna (Powers) Gerlach. He graduated from Menasha High School in 1939 and did post graduate work in science and mathematics. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, WI. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Air Corps and served in the European Theater where he was involved in the Normandy Invasion. Following his honorable discharge, he and his father started Gerlach Manufacturing in Boscobel where they manufactured bowling pins. In 1952, John started Gerlach Insurance and later worked in other insurance agencies. He also sold real estate. He belonged to the "4000 Club" in La Crosse and enjoyed visiting with others interested in trains. In 1990 he was united in marriage to Yvonne (Fisher) Myk, and retired from The Insurance Center in La Crosse. Together they pursued Johns interest in trains and the Viroqua Short Line Railroad, a very short 40 feet. The Red Caboose, now an area landmark, is in their front yard. Son-in-law, Curtis (Peach) laid the rock foundation for the caboose and most of the restoration was done by Little John (Thelen) who has always been John and Yvonnes special son. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Suzanne (Mark) Speaker of White Hall, AK, Gary (Julia Sarah) Gerlach of Ridgefield, WA, Nancy (David) Spriggs of New York, NY, Mark (Betsy) Gerlach of Greenough, MT, Kim (Ron) Tidd of Kingston, WA, Joe (Anna) Gerlach of Kingston, WA; his step children: Jackie (Tom) Bartlett of La Crosse, Art (Ellen) Thelen of LaFarge, Bob (Violet) Thelen of LaFarge, Ann (Dave) Skrove of West Salem, John (Deaun) Thelen of LaCrosse, Diana (Curtis) Gwilt of Grayslake, IL, and Stanley (Jennifer) Myk of Mt. Prospect, IL; grandchildren; and his father-in-law, Jim Torgerson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles; and his mother-in-law, Violet Torgerson.