Donald Dwayne Gerlach
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Donald Dwayne Gerlach on Friday, October 3, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Armstrong, Iowa, with Father Merlin Schrad officiating.
Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Don will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Elkton, South Dakota.
Donald Dwayne Gerlach, the son of Alvin and Helen (Sperlich) Gerlach, was born on August 23, 1937, in Parkston, South Dakota. He passed away on September 24, 2025, in Maryville, Illinois, at the age of 88 years.
On May 1, 1965, he was united in marriage to Madeline L. Peterson in Elkton, South Dakota. The couple moved to the Armstrong area in 1969.Don was a Coach and Principal in Elkton, South Dakota, from 1960-1969. Don served as Principal and Athletic Director for Armstrong/Armstrong-Ringsted Schools from 1969-1997. He served on numerous boards, including Athletic, Officiating, Education, and Administration.
Don enjoyed a very successful career officiating. He officiated baseball, softball, football, boys and girls basketball, and worked 24 state tournaments. He was inducted into the Iowa Officials Hall of Fame.
Anyone who knew Don, knows he liked to have fun. He frequently displayed a positive attitude, smile and “thumbs up”. He was very encouraging. Don provided birthday calls to numerous family and friends. He provided a very enthusiastic message as he enjoyed lifting people’s spirit during their special day. Some waited for the call to go to voicemail so they could listen repeatedly.
He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved every opportunity to create new experiences with his family.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Armstrong. Don enjoyed golfing, especially the social aspect.
Don is survived by his son Anthony (Brenda) Gerlach of Greenville, SC; daughters Maria (Deryl) Cunningham of Glen Carbon, Illinois; and Kristi Schmidt of West Des Moines, Iowa; and five grandchildren: Abigail, Payson, Ciara, Braylon, and Nyah. Don is also survived by his siblings, Lois (Gordan) Doerr, Dale (Candi) Gerlach, and Carol Scherr; and sister-in-law, Jolene Gerlach.He was preceded in death by his wife, Madeline Gerlach, parents Alvin and Helen (Sperlich) Gerlach, a sister, Delma Doerr, brothers, Jerry, Del, Elmer, and Marvin Gerlach, and sister-in-law, Marlene Gerlach.
The family would like to share their appreciation to the close knit neighborhood that always shared love and support, and a special thank you to Roger and Tilla Weisbrod.
In lieu of flowers, Don’s family requests memorials to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Armstrong.
Online condolences may be left for Don’s family at HenryOlsonFuneral.com.
