Marlene Louise Gerlach

Marlene was born January 4, 1934 in Winona, Missouri to Paul O and Helen V (Moore) Bockman. Marlene passed away May 22nd three weeks after a terrible fall down a flight of stairs causing fractures and head trauma. She spent two weeks at Poudre Valley Hospital and was brought home with Hospice and family care, along with in home health care.

Marlene moved to Colorado from Missouri at 6 months old and lived in a timber camp on Deadman and later in North Park until 1950 when she moved to the family’s Fort Collins home to take care of the house and property while her parents continued to operate a timber operation. She attended FCHS, graduating in 1951. She then went to Colorado A&M earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 1955 after a year long internship at a hospital in Portland, OR for dietetics. She continued her education at CSU and graduated in 1958 with a Master’s Degree as a dietician. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and cherished her Sorority Sisters well after her college years.

She married Marvin LeRoy Gerlach on August 26th 1956 and together they started a life together sharing the love of the mountains, camping, fishing and hiking. They loved to entertain, hosting dinner parties and family gatherings. They also went to many Dutchhops. She loved to dance and at one time was an active member in a competitive square dance club at Colorado A & M. She was also a very good cook, having won many cooking contests.

Marlene retired from the Chem Diagnostics lab at CSU after more than 30 years of service.

Marlene was an avid contester having won trips to Florida, Hawaii, Nashville and Puerto Vallarta, a new car and numerous other prizes. She was lucky, and it delighted her so much when she won something, no matter how big or small. She also loved to garden and planted a vegetable garden with her family and always had beautiful flowers.

She is survived by her Son Martin (Simone), Granddaughter Kelsie, Sisters Sherry (George) and Darlene and many Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by a Son Mitchell, Daughter Marcia, her Parents Paul and Helen, Brother Deane and Husband Marvin.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 10:00a.m. at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Collins for a maximum of 50 people followed by a reception next door at The Sundance Steakhouse and Saloon.

Contributions may be made to the Larimer County Humane Society, or the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.