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1940 - 2026
Bill Gerlach Sr., 85, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 2, 2026 after an extended illness. Bill was born in Portsmouth, Ohio to Carl "Dutch" and Catherine (nee Strehle) Gerlach on December 28, 1940.
Bill was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent his early years working on his family's farm in Wheelersburg, and would spend his later years at Aristech Chemical as a Foreman before retiring. He was also a well-known local businessman and entrepreneur, taking great pride in his construction business and the friends and acquaintances he made along the way. Bill was known for his strong work ethic and business acumen.
He found great joy in traveling with his beloved wife Darlene, and cherished the years that they spent together. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and the life he built through determination and care.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Bill Jr. (Leigh) and Kristi Powell; grandchildren, Eli (Hannah), Alyssa and Ashleigh Powell; and, his great-granddaughter Emery.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Darlene; siblings, Betty (Roger Bahner), Ben (Debbie) and Bob (Sue); and, his great-granddaughter Nora.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, Ohio with interment in Memorial Burial Park immediately following the service. The family will welcome friends on Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service on Friday, at the funeral home.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Sierra's Haven for New and Used Pets or St. Jude -- favorite charities of his and Darlene's.
"Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day... unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear." -- Unknown.
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