Oscar Franklin “Sonny” Gerlach, 88, passed away peacefully on Sept. 18, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at Mapleshire Nursing and Rehabilitation in Morgantown. Born on Dec. 23, 1931, Oscar was the youngest son of Lawrence R. and Mary Kathryn (Boggess) Gerlach. He is preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Lawrence R. Gerlach Jr., and his sister, Mary Ellen (Gerlach) Wischner.
Oscar was a Korean War Veteran who served as a Sergeant at USARAL (US Army Alaska). He married Alice Nan (Garrison) Gerlach on Oct. 21, 1965. Together, they owned and operated Best, Incorporated, a garment factory in Terra Alta, from 1968 until they sold the company in the late 1980s. In retirement, Oscar and Nan spent time enjoying their grandchildren, traveling around the eastern United States and caring for many stray cats who showed up to call Toy Street their home.
Known lovingly as “Poppa” by his family, he is survived by Nan, his wife of 55 years; one son, Paul Gerlach; and daughters, Stephanie (Bill) Visnic, Jennifer (Mateo) Dayo and Kimberly (Clifton) Colebank. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren Alex, Adrian, Ashley, Caleb, Wil, Rylee, Zach, Ethan and Angel.
The family wishes to thank the loving staff of Mapleshire Nursing and Rehabilitation for his excellent care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the family could not be with him. They also thank WV Caring for Hospice services.
A private, graveside family service will be held at Suncrest Cemetery in Point Pleasant, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, with Pastor Jonathan Pinson officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant.
Condolences:
www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com
