Michael “Mike” Allan Gerlach, 55, passed away and was reborn into his new life in Heaven on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. Mike was born May 14, 1964 in Austin, Minnesota to parents Allan Constantine and Carolyn Ann (Wencl) Gerlach. He was graduated from Northfield High and went on to study drafting and electronics at Brown Institute and Herzing University. He worked as a project engineer for many years designing and drafting machines for custom automation. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight and was very involved with the St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus in Oak Grove, Minnesota.
Mike married Elizabeth Bingold, the love of his life, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ham Lake, MN on May 15, 1993. Over the years, they built a family of two girls and two boys who joined the family through the gift of adoption. Mike was proud to be a father, shaping the family through faith foundation, traditions and story-telling. He played electric bass in bands from the age of 16 and shared his talent and love of music over the years, singing and playing at church, running the soundboard, and playing guitar around the campfire. He was a creative and brilliant man, always coming up with new ways to think about problems. His motto was, “Impossible just takes a little longer.”
Mike was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s September of 2015 at the age of 51 and fought the disease for the last part of his life. He still loved to joke, sing, and laugh, be with his wife and family, going to Mass every Sunday. Mike will be remembered by many as a loyal, faithful, and trusted friend, always willing to lend a helping hand, with fond memories of annual summer barbecues, family camping, fishing trips, time at the cabin and Bucky’s Bar.
Survivors include his wife Elizabeth Gerlach; daughters Michaila and Kerilyn; sons Martin and Daniel; future son-in-law Justin Welch; parents Allan and Carolyn Gerlach; sisters and brother Veronica Haavig and husband Gary, Douglas Gerlach and wife Debra, and Paula Gerlach (Mark Sanow); sisters-in-law Katherine Karpinsky, Margaret Zapalac, Patricia Stevens, Mary Williamsen; brothers-in-law Mike Karpinsky, Patrick Zapalac, Brian Stevens, Chad Williamsen, and David M. Bingold and fiancée Leah Allen; nieces and nephews Joshua and wife Candace Haavig, Nathan Gerlach, Adam and wife Justine Gerlach, Natasha and husband Rob Eckles, William and wife Skylar Stevens, Kevin Stevens; Michele and husband Jose Alba, Nichole and Kalley Karpinsky, Jacob and Ryan Zapalac, Christina, Kaitlin, Nathan and Megan Williamsen; great-nieces Justine Haavig, Claire Gerlach, and Charlotte Stevens, and great-nephews Ross and Nolan Eckles, Carson Stevens, and Jayden Alba.
Mike was preceded in death by his son Steven Gerlach, grandparents Francis and Irene Gerlach and William and Frieda Wencl.
A memorial service will be held at 9:00 am on August 7, 2019, at Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona. A funeral Mass and burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Oak Grove, MN on August 9, 2019 at 11:00 am with visitation prior.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Mike’s name to the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association to further research to find a cure for Early Onset Alzheimer’s.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul!
He ran his race well, and left a legacy never to be forgotten by any who knew him.
I am sure he is enjoying his freedom in heaven.
It was a pleasure getting to know you even for just a short time.
Don’t worry about your little girl Mike, Justin will care for her well.?
Thanks for letting me know Michael the last few years—he was always helpful-his work as he thought— his love of music-doing puzzles with Dan-joy of taking our pens then showing them to me to see what I wanted—the enjoyment of wearing shirts with pictures and writing and showing them to me every time we did the finger picks!
The happiness in his eyes when I gave him a extra sweet treat
We never know when a person will enter our life to show us a new lesson and understanding of a familys ‘ unconditioned love
Beth and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. I enjoyed our visits together at the Brass Rail when Peggy and family were visiting MN. Knowing Mike is in heaven with his lived ones and in the presence of God is a comfort. You will be reunited once more! Our deepest sympathy to you all as you adjust to life without him.