99FLHRCI Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Yesterday I lost the man, ma father, who has made me who I am today. I am relieved that he no longer has to endure the pain that he had to recently. Obit Thomas Wesley Gerlach, Sr., 55, Seven Hills, Ohio passed away on February 7, 2012. Tom was born in 1956 in Jackson, Michigan to Bruce, Sr. and the late Lisbeth Gerlach. He studied Law Enforcement at Northwestern Michigan College. He married Jayne (Lundy) in 1978 and they lived in New Mexico and Michigan before moving to Ohio. Tom devoted his life to helping people, professionally as a police officer, sheriff's deputy, firefighter and emergency medical technician and personally as a great friend and family member. It wasn't uncommon for someone to come up to him at a store and say something like, Do you remember me? You saved my life or you saved my sister's life or you were at my accident and you were so kind to me. Tom often spoke fondly of growing up on Miller Ave in Ann Arbor and all the wonderful neighbors that made it a real "Leave It to Beaver" community. As a father himself, he carried that feeling into helping coach soccer, leading Boy Scouts, being active in Mitchell Elementary School PTO, etc. He worked the midnight shift at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for many years, thus allowing him to be the one his boys came home to after school. He loved cars and could identify the make and year of most cars at a glance. He owned 22 cars before he turned 22 and only slowed down when the fiscal responsibilities of a family required it. He saved friends and family countless dollars by giving advice or actually fixing cars. Maybe it is because of the hours spent working on cars and hours spent in public safety that his oldest son works in automotive research and his youngest is a police officer. You could always count on Tom's humor and quick wit to lighten the mood. Tom loved to tease and his deep laugh was contagious. Those who loved Tom laughed often. He also had a strong love for animals. He said that without Jayne's common sense the two of them might have become the dog and cat people you hear sometimes about on the news. Tom is survived by his wife, Jayne of Seven Hills, Ohio; sons, Thomas, Jr. (Christy) of Marysville, Ohio; Trevor (Brianna) of Muskegon, Michigan, brother, Bruce, Jr. (Beckie) of Clinton, Michigan and father, Bruce Sr. of Clinton, Michigan. He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. The Celebration of his Life will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. at Charles J. Burden & Son Funeral Home, 1806 E. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, Michigan. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery. In honor of Tom, please find a way to "pay it forward" today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sol740 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't even imagine how rough that is. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangsn95gt Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 I don't even know how I would react if it was me, Thoughts and Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Pomade Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patterson Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Very sorry for your loss, sounds like you were close to your Dad like I am with mine, it has to be tough. I'm sure he'd want you to keep your chin up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLOWLX Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 So sad to hear Prayers go out to you and your Fmily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixdarican Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sounds like a great man. Sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 I am sorry that you Dad passed. KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokin5s Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 I am sorry to hear about your dad... My dad being in poor health, this hits very close to home for me. Keep your head up and if you need anything, let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
351mach11647545510 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Thoughts and prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nurkvinny Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry for your loss. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wnaplay1647545503 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjrsplat Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry for your loss, sounds like he was a great guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDHG940 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry for your loss (RIP). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bruh Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Rip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTA09 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 sorry for your loss . RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 My sincerest condolences, dude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morabu Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry for your loss. RIP J.R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Automotive Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sorry to hear. If there is anything we can do let us know. I can't imagine loosing my father. I don't look forward to the day. Think of the good times, and keep moving forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sounded like a great man, and an excellent father. Sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Im sorry for your loss TJ, Let us know if you need anything at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POS VETT Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 My deepest condolences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Prayers and condolences to you and your fam and friends and all those he touched. Sounds like a truly great man. Service before self. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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