Jacob Alexander Gerlach

“I’ve lived a great life. I lived in the best century. I got to do everything I ever wanted to do. I am ready to go home.”

With this gratitude, Jack encouraged his family and friends as he faced his final journey the way he lived, with love, compassion, dignity and courage. He passed peacefully, the way he hoped to be, at home with his family.

Jack was born July 30^th, 1932 at Rosthern, SK. to Henry and Bertha Gerlach (nee Doering), the oldest of six siblings.

At the age of 18, he joined Sask Power which allowed him to travel, building the lines which would ‘electrify’ the province.

In September 1953, Jack married Jeannie Dumont of Duck Lake. They had two children together Loren & Debra. Sadly, Jeannie and their third child passed in childbirth.

Jack married a second time to Anne Podhradsky. They had two more children, Donna & Brent.

Working as a District Operator, they lived for short times in Denzil, Vonda and Wadena. The Gerlach family then settled in Debden, SK where Jack worked alongside his assistant and friend, Ron Turner.  Many were the nights when seasonal storms knocked out power, Jack and Ron were out braving the elements to restore power to communities and farms.

During their years in Debden, Jack and Anne operated two restaurants and a backhoe business. While the work was intense, so was the fun.

Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, curling and especially, having people visit at his home. He was a member of Kinsmen and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation where he was a Firearms Instructor. A point of great pride for him was the acquisition of his pilot’s license.

Jack was also an accomplished carpenter. It was often joked that he had more tools than many tradesmen.

In the early 70’s, Jack & Anne built a cabin at Nesslin Lake, which became the family’s refuge for many years. They also built a new house in Debden in 1975.

After retirement in 1984, Jack & Anne continued to enjoy life with the good people of Debden until they needed to move closer to health services in Prince Albert. After Anne’s passing in 2007, Jack remained living independently in his home for another 15 years. During this time new joy arrived with 2 more great-grandchildren, Jack and Liam who became the light of his world, ‘his boys”.

In April 2022, Jack decided to visit his daughter Debbie, who cared for him as his health began to decline. Our family is so very blessed that even up to a day before his passing, he knew all of us, and even got up to watch a hockey game.

Jack leaves to celebrate his life his children, Debra Crashley (Howard), Donna Barr (Tony), and son Brent Gerlach (Maureen); seven grandchildren Louwana Prudat (Quentin), Terrance Gerlach (Natalie), Jonathan Gerlach (Kate), Teresa Barr (Rory), Jacob Barr (Tawnie), Joshua Gerlach (Marie) and Daniel Gerlach; five great-grandchildren Reise & Alyssa Prudat, Tristen Gerlach, Jack & Liam Barr with another expected in September.

Jack is also survived by siblings Verna Ganter (Hank- deceased), Millie Jansen (Pete-deceased), and Wesley Gerlach (Marie) along with treasured in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his first wife Jeannie, second wife Anne, son Loren, brother John, and sister Katherine,

The family extends its most heartfelt thanks to the Regina Palliative Care team that enabled us to have a wonderful quality of life with him at home. Great thanks to Dr. Parehk who diligently monitored his health and we know, extended his time here by years with amazing care. A special thanks to Pastor Kevin Shiach of Saskatoon Grace Life Centre who became Jack’s ‘Virtual Pastor’ the last two years. We are also deeply grateful to Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services of Regina for meeting all of our families' needs during this time. They have provided us exemplary care with utmost respect and professionalism.

Jack’s favourite charities were the Prince Albert Food Bank and the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation. Donations to these charities as a tribute to Jack’s life are most appreciated.

At Jack’s request no funeral will be held. There will be a private family gathering later this summer to celebrate his memory.