Martha Jennetta Gerlach

Martha was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to Eppie for 60 memorable years until his passing in 2017. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and shared experiences.

Martha dedicated her life to hard work, creativity, community, and raising her children. From an early age, she honed her skills as a seamstress and embraced the art of ceramics. Her career led her to food service roles at Aramark, Service American Corp, Cerro Copper, and Canteen Food Services.

Outside of work, Martha was a proud member of the St. Louis Zoo and the Botanical Gardens, finding joy in nature and conservation. She also served as a Cub Master for the Boy Scouts, earning the esteemed Silver Beaver Award for her commitment to scouting. Additionally, she was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Cahokia.

Martha found happiness in walking with the Illinois Trekkers, spending time at the Cahokia Fitness Center, and attending performances at The Muny in St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents’ Harold and Martha Matilda Richards (nee: Ney); Husband Edmund “Eppie” R Gerlach; sister Audrey Reeder (nee: Richards); brothers Samuel and Harold “Mickey” Richards; and granddaughter Stephanie Diane Taylor.

She is survived by, sisters Marilyn Wadlow (nee: Richards) and Laura May Cooper (nee: Richards); seven sons, Edmund Gerlach, Jr., Rick (Cheryl) Gerlach, Dale (Tina) Gerlach, Ron Gerlach, Duane (Tina) Gerlach, Brian (Wanda) Gerlach, and Don (Jeannie) Gerlach; a daughter, Dawn (Pamela) Jones; eight grandchildren, Jeannie Gerlach, Jennifer Gerlach, Emily Gerlach, Samantha (Bryan) Benge, Joshua (Anna) Gerlach, Jesse Taylor, Kristina Gerlach, and Caitlinn Taylor; and four-great-grandchildren, Kaylie; Kimberly; Madilynn and Joshua; as well as other relatives and friends.

Martha’s warmth and kindness will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A visitation for Martha will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation. A committal service will occur Monday, May 19, 2025 from 12:45 PM at Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5000 N Illinois St, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.