William Albert Gehrlein

William A. Gehrlein, 62, passed away on Monday, February 7 at his home after a brave and courageous 2-year battle with lymphoma. He was surrounded by his loving family and has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a man of integrity, determination, very goal oriented, with a can-do positive attitude. Every day was an opportunity to be explored and challenged.

A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, he was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was actively involved at St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served as a youth leader and was President of Teen Dance Time where weekly dances were held in the gymnasium as an outreach program for neighborhood teens. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed by Procter and Gamble Company in Cincinnati, OH, Jackson, TN and Greenville, NC; Bunge Edible Oil , Chattanooga, TN; he managed his own successful consulting business, Gehrlein and Associates, Inc. for 12 years and most recently was a sales manager for Hunter Defense Technology (formerly Nordic Air) out of Geneva, OH before retiring November 30, 2010.

Bill was ever faithful to his Lord and Savior and spent quality time sharing his faith with others. Most recently he was an active member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, where he served as an elder. His passion was evangelism and because of that passion he promoted the 40 Days of Purpose program, ways to promote a welcoming, open, inviting church to visitors, planting the seed for development of a Contemporary Service which is now a viable ministry named CrossCurrents. He was a past member of the chancel choir.

He was also a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hixson. He sang in the chancel choir, was elected the first lay president of the congregational council and served as Building Program and Fundraising Director during the addition of a gymnasium, kitchen, nursery area and multipurpose room. His evangelism calling was clearly in action as he was an active participant in the Kings 100 which was an outreach ministry to the local community.

Bill also had a kind and giving spirit. He exemplified that with his volunteer support at Habitat For Humanity. He organized fundraising and volunteer workers to support the building for the first Lutheran Habitat House. He also participated as a regular Habitat volunteer with the Rivermont Presbyterian work crew. In addition, he often cooked meals for Interfaith Hospitality Network for homeless families who were guests for a week at Rivermont.

Bill was a fan of Penn State football and Coach Joe Paterno. Saturdays in the fall were spent in front of the TV cheering on his team no matter what their standings. He was a true fan and a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Relaxation time for Bill was spent doing something; his mind was always in action and he had some sort of a project going on around the house and yard. He was the ultimate do it yourselfer not only for his own home but for the homes of his children as well.

His father, Albert H. Gehrlein of Erie, PA, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Jacqueline (Jackie) Engel Gehrlein; son, Jason (Krista) Gehrlein, Chattanooga; daughter Bethany (Marcus) Colson of Indianapolis, IN; mother, Marie Gehrlein, 93, and brother, Carl (Margie) Gehrlein, Erie, PA; parents-in-law, Ernest and Elinor Engel, Chattanooga; plus a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 14 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rivermont Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15 at Rivermont Presbyterian Church with Dr. Daniel N. Sansbury officiating.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Stipinov and the very caring oncology nurses at Chattanooga Oncology and Hematology Associates and the Hospice of Chattanooga staff for the loving and respectful care they provided in these final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (leukemia-lymphoma.org), CaringBridge Organization (caringbridge.org), or to Rivermont Presbyterian Church for the Habitat For Humanity Fund.

Arrangements for cremation are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. Please share your thoughts and memories on line at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.