Willard E. Gerlitz

Willard E. Gerlitz, age 87, of Minneapolis died Saturday December 20, 2014 at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. He was born June 6,1927 to Edward and Henrietta (Schirmer) Gerlitz in Easton, Minnesota. he was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Easton. He graduated from Delavan (Minnesota) High School, then served in the United States Army Air Force. After his military service concluded, he then worked at Cargill and Harvest States Corporation. Willard enjoyed playing tennis, taking brisk walks around Lake Calhoun, travel, reading and serving in his church. He especially enjoyed taking bus trips throughout the U.S. and Canada in his retirement years. Church was a big part of his life and he enjoyed being active in it in various ways.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Clara Gerlitz of Byron; niece, Brenda (Mike) Gray of Orlando, Florida and their children, Patrick and Amanda; nephew, Bruce (Vickye) Gerlitz of Zionsville, Indiana and their children, Bryce, Connor, Dustin and Erik; and nephew, Glenn Gerlitz of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Henrietta; and brother, Herbert.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living and Fairview Southdale Hospital for the care given to Willard.