Marian Gerlach

Marian Alvina Gerlach, 95, of Fort Smith, AR, passed away on Aug. 20, 2021. She was born on Dec. 25, 1925 in Charles City, IA, to Peter Lamp and Laurnetta Dryer Lamp. She graduated from Charles City high School and attended Iowa State University. She married James Gerlach on April 21, 1946 and they were married for 75 years. She and her husband were members of St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City. She worked as a secretary for Oliver Tractor before opening Marian’s Fabrics in Charles City and Decorah, IA in 1968. They moved to Des Moines, IA, where she attended Iowa Culinary Institute and worked as a realtor. In 1983, they moved to Springfield, MO, and opened a Process One photo finishing lab.

In 1985 they retired to Fort Smith to be with family. They joined St. Luke Lutheran Church where they were members in the choir, and she was in the quilting guild. She enjoyed cooking and was famous for her desserts. She also enjoyed all her bridge groups, golf, gardening, music, and dancing. She loved taking classes in painting and crafts.

Marian is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kathryn Joy; and her husband, James. She is survived by two children; Tracy Gerlach of Poteau, OK, and Peggy Hadley and husband James of Fort Smith, AR; five grandchildren, Michael Hadley and wife Michelle of Fort Smith, AR, Sarah Harper and husband David of Fort Smith, AR, Katie Rivkin and husband Sam of Bentonville, AR, Thomas Hadley and Hanna Lovins of Fort Smith, AR, Laura Buergler and husband Ben of Centerton, AR; 15 great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, AR. Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home. The burial will be at a later date in Charles City, Iowa. To place online condolences’ visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Fort Smith Symphony, PO Box 3151, Fort Smith, AR 72913 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, RMHC, 1333 Arapaho Ave Ste C, Springdale, AR, 72764, www.rmhc.org.