Gerhard Michael Moland

Gerhard M. (Gerry) Moland passed away, July 14, after a 9-year battle with multiple myeloma. He devoted his life to his children, grandchildren and through his 38 years as an innovative child welfare administrator, to the protection of children through L. A. County’s Department of Children and Family Services.

Born in Wisconsin, he graduated from Carleton College in 1959 and spent the next four years as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He then attended USC, where he earned a Masters in Social Work and became a life-long Trojan fan.

Gerry and his wife, Cheryl, raised three sons. He was their soccer coach and active in their scouting years including several years as scoutmaster for Troop 78. He saw each of his sons and his two nephews join him as Eagle Scouts.

He was also an educator, having taught at local universities. He was a Field Instructor and mentored graduate students from USC, UCLA, CSULA and CSULB.

After his retirement, he enjoyed extensive traveling with Cheryl, volunteered with the Red Cross and served on the Board of Directors for the Petroleum Club. His greatest joy was in spoiling his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years; sons Mark (Shana), Michael (Erin) and Christopher (Jessica); seven grandchildren, sisters Susie Emmert (Jim) and Melody Kanten (Tom), brother in law Don Trimmer (Laura), a niece and nephews as well as all the people whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at California Heights United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 14 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to For the Child (www.forthechild.org) or the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross (www.redcrosslb.org).

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401

www.luybenfamilyd-m.com