Harold "Butch" Gerlach

Harold Dean “Butch” Gerlach, 72, Topeka, passed away Friday, September 27, 2013. Butch was born June 7, 1941, in Wichita, the son of Harold W. and Hazel Thompson Gerlach, who moved to Topeka when Butch was just a few months old. He was a 1959 graduate of Topeka High School. Butch attended the University of Kansas, where he was initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1964 and earned his Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in 1967. Butch was on the swim team at Topeka High and on the first ever swim team at Washburn. He was a life member of Washburn University Alumni Association and Topeka Country Club. He was a long-time member of Civitan Club of Topeka, of which he was a past president and held the office of District Lt. Governor in 1988 and ’89. He was named Realtor Emeritus of the National Association of Realtors, honoring his dedication to the profession from 1966 to 2010. Butch raised and trained field trial Brittany Spaniels, including National Field Champion, Christy’s Featherduster, for whom a traveling trophy was named, “Field Champion Christy’s Featherduster Memorial Trophy”. On March 4, 1981, Butch and Paula Aldridge were united in marriage. They enjoyed over 32 years together. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing cards with his friends. He was involved with and attended many events of his grandchildren. Throughout his life, Butch perfected the art of generosity, always putting forth other’s needs before his own. He made sure everyone was comfortable and taken care of before himself. Butch’s family loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Paula A. Gerlach of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Jimmy McMullen; son, Dean Gerlach; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and David Reed; son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Krystal Aldridge; grandchildren, Kolby, Kelsey, Ashton, Trevor, Wil, Joe, Braydon and Colby; and a sister, Lynne Zoellner Stark. A Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2013, at Topeka Country Club. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Harold "Butch" Gerlach

June 7, 1941 - September 27, 2013