Joseph Kasper Gerlich

Joseph Kasper Gerlich, 83, of Hallettsville, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. 

He was born Jan. 4, 1939 in Lavaca County to Joseph F. and Agnes (Navjar) Gerlich.

Following his childhood on the Gerlich family farm, Joe married Frances and raised a family in Friendswood. After devoting 35 years to the Texas Highway Dept., Joe retired to Lavaca County, where he and Frances have enjoyed their country home for the past 29 years.

Joe pursued a life centered on an everlasting devotion to Christ, perpetual loyalty to his family and cherished friends. He was a good steward of the earth and loved gardening, hunting and fishing. If Joe wasn’t digging in earth’s soil, he was playing dominoes, wetting a line, swinging a golf club, tinkering on a motor, or eating ice cream. He was a cherished father and grandfather who embraced all teachable moments. Joe’s smile was the largest when the conversation was filled with good-natured banter and clever remarks.

Joseph will continue to be held dearest and celebrated by his loved ones still with us, his wife of 61 years, Frances (Hermes) Gerlich; two daughters, Diane Myers-Vinson and husband, Bill of San Marcos, and Angela Hartmann of Hope; two sons, Joseph Gerlich and wife, Sylvia of Castroville, and Brian Gerlich of Pearland; grandchildren, Seaver Myers, Jennifer and Megan Vinson; Alec, Courtney, and Kaydee Hartmann; Vanessa Gerlich; Alma and Israel Perez; and two great-grandchildren, Sofia and Leo Heredia. Survivors also include numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Those receiving Joseph into heaven with open arms include his daughter, Marie Agnes; his parents; sisters, Alice Kainer, Lillian Laas, Leona Buzek, Bernice Twardowski and Mac Mladenka; brothers, Ben, Stanley, Dan and Sonny Gerlich.

Commemorating Joseph as pallbearers are Tommy Kainer, Buddy Laas, Ronald Harabis, Alec Hartmann, Seaver Myers and Israel Perez. 

Honorary pallbearers include the Thursday domino buddies with whom he shared many fond memories.

Friends and family were invited to celebrate Joseph’s life at a visitation from noon to 4 p.m. with Rosary recited at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7  at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Koerth, with Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako officiating. 

Burial followed at St. John Catholic Cemetery.  

Luncheon followed the burial at the American Legion Hall, 3652 County Rd.,  392 in Sweet Home.  

Memorials may be sent to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund at PO Box 201, Sweet Home, Texas 77987.

Arrangements were entrusted to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum.