Miriam “Mimi” Gerlach (July 20, 1951 - June 28, 2020)

In loving memory of
Miriam “Mimi” Gerlach
  • July 20, 1951
  • -
  • June 28, 2020

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Obituary

Miriam “Mimi” Gerlach, 68, returned to her heavenly home on June 28th, 2020 after a short battle with cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her and gave her peace. Miriam was born in Presque Isle, Maine on July 20th, 1951 to Francis, a career Air Force Master Sergeant and his German wife, Erika. As an Air Force “brat”, she moved often in her youth which gave her a terrific understanding of the world and a love for culture. She learned German before English and also learned Spanish while in living in Spain. She had a love for language that stemmed from her mother who spoke five languages and that translated later in life as a teacher of German.

She and her husband of 43 years had two beautiful daughters, who they raised mostly in Northern Kentucky. Mimi and her husband moved to Florida in 2006. As a teacher and a librarian at Covington Latin School in Kentucky and Horizon Academy in Ocala, she influenced many of today’s youth to be the best people they can be. She was a volunteer for many activities within the On Top of the World Communities in Florida including the library, chorus, and Women of The World. She was involved with local church and often volunteered to assist with services. She was an avid reader and was regularly caught reading while trying to cook dinner. She loved the pool and the beach as well as a good shopping trip. She also kept active by playing golf with Chicks with Sticks as well as keeping her mind sharp with games like Rummikub and Scrabble.

She is survived by her husband Garry, daughters Kristina and Karin, and her brother Dana in Indiana. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, no visitation or Celebration of Life is planned and will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking any donations be sent to Hospice of Marion County, Ocala Florida in Mimi’s memory. https://www.hospiceofmarion.com/ways-to-give/


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Tribute Wall

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  1. Linda Geisselbrecht says:
    18 Jul 2020
    Dear Garry, Kristi and Karin,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Miriam was a wonderful friend, great German teacher and librarian, but above all she was a fine Christian woman, who lived a life of service to her Lord and God. She always had a wonderful smile and helping hand for everyone. If it had not been for Miriam, I would never have had the opportunity to teach German at NKU, for companies and at CLS. I will miss my best friend greatly.
    With Our Love and Sincerest Sympathy to you all, Linda and Hartmut

  2. Vickie McDaniel says:
    15 Jul 2020
    I have warm memories of her big smile. She was so very kind to everyone! Our girls grew up together in our church at Gloria Dei Lutheran.

  3. Jena-Sheree Walters says:
    14 Jul 2020
    I first met Miriam when we both taught at West Port Middle School (now Liberty Middle) we then both ended up transferring to Horizon Academy. At West Port I was a struggling first year teacher and I remember her always having words of encouragement for me and was also an ally to me when I felt alone in my teacher struggles. She was a wonderful and caring women and I will never forget her kindness and grace. Never forget you Rest In Peace Mrs Gerlach.
    Jena Walters

  4. jan skavdahl says:
    07 Jul 2020
    I have fond memories of Miriam with our Ruth Circle group. she was a brilliant, lovely lady and lots of fun, too.

    Your family is in my prayers,

    Jan Skavdahl

  5. Ebert Haegele says:
    06 Jul 2020
    God Bless Miriam’s Family and Friends. I wouldn’t know where to begin sharing many warm and fuzzy memories from over the years at CLS.
    Again I say God Bless!

  6. Ken Rudolph says:
    06 Jul 2020
    Was so sorry to here of Miriams passing. I worked with her CLS. She was a good friend and a great teacher. She will be missed by all. This world is definitely a better place because she passed through it. Rest in peace Miriam.
    Ken Rudolph

  7. Stephanie Tewes says:
    06 Jul 2020
    A beautiful person with a great smile. She welcomed me to CLS when I was a new teacher. Her kind words and personality made CLS a home for me. I'm forever grateful to have met her and worked with her
    Stephanie

  8. Nancy K. Jentsch says:
    06 Jul 2020
    I am so sad to hear this. May God's peace rest on you, her beloved family.

  9. Dr. Sheri Benischek, Albuquerque says:
    04 Jul 2020
    It' s the 4th of July and I have no doubt my longtime friend Mimi would have had the day planned with some cooking no doubt, and family and friends. I will be celebrating the country's birthday but also remembering a great lady, accomplished in many areas of life. Mimi was the ultimate educator and loved by her students over so many years. Although she left Albuquerque upon finishing high school, we kept in touch all those many years, We were in marching and concert bands together (I played flute and Mimi on saxophone) and National Honor Society. We were also lunch buddies. Sadly Mimi was not able to come to her 50th high school class reunion but I know she would have enjoyed it. I was the maid of honor in Miriam and Garry's wedding in March 1977 and what a festive time it was, with German music and dancing. Her dedication to her husband Garry, her two daughters Kristi and Karin, and students at the various schools where she taught was always reflected in her letters and emails to me. Love of travel and adventure were high on her list when I first met her in high school and continued throughout her life. Mimi, you have left us way too soon. Your work here on Earth, however, will continue on through your students and family. I miss you and will see you again my friend.

  10. Tina Redman says:
    02 Jul 2020
    To Miriam, my friend in harmony,

    Yours was a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.
    You will be greatly missed, but will remain in my heart forever.
    Tina

  11. Robert Larcher says:
    01 Jul 2020
    My prayers and warm wishes are with you all.
    Miriam was such a nice person !!!
    Deacon Bob Larcher

  12. Debby Rieselman says:
    01 Jul 2020
    How sad, I am. Miriam was such a friendly person, and one who had a profound faith in our Lord. We know that she is already in our Lord's arms, but I will especially pray for Garry and the girls. What shock this must be. Hold tight to each other and Jesus. A Gloria Dei friend, Debby Rieselman

  13. Terry & Joe Alfano lit a candle:
    01 Jul 2020
    Lit since July 1, 2020 at 7:34:23 PM

  14. Harold Hubert Daniels says:
    01 Jul 2020
    Mimi was my cousin and I remember her as a very intelligent, beautiful young lady. I can't remember when she didn't have a smile on her face that lit up a room. Our prayers go out to Mimi and her family and I'm sure she is walking the fields of the Lord with her Mom and Dad.

  15. Judy and Peter Parisi says:
    01 Jul 2020
    Miriam was a gracious and lovely person who was always willing to help out. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  16. Harold Hubert Daniels lit a candle:
    01 Jul 2020
    Lit since July 1, 2020 at 7:26:36 PM

  17. Michael and Linda Klein says:
    01 Jul 2020
    Miriam, you will be missed. You were a very special lady. God bless the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  18. Michael Klein lit a candle:
    01 Jul 2020
    Lit since July 1, 2020 at 7:01:38 AM

  19. Michael Klein lit a candle:
    01 Jul 2020
    Lit since July 1, 2020 at 7:59:49 AM

  20. Susan Yenne says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Miriam will be missed throughout the community. I so enjoyed playing Scrabble at her table and talking to her about her worldwide views. God bless you all.
    Susan Yenne

  21. Becky says:
    30 Jun 2020
    So sorry to hear of MIMI's passing. Our hearts breaking for you all!
    Love,
    Garry, Becky, Mattie & Leo Daniels

  22. Edna Williams says:
    30 Jun 2020
    To Miriam's family
    My condolences go out to you at this time.
    My prayers are also with you during this difficult period.
    Miriam will be sorely missed by us who were her Scrabble partners.
    Be Blessed!
    Edna Williams
    OTOW.

  23. Monika and Joe Hines says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Rest in peace, Miriam. I will always remember you. You were one of our first neighbors when we moved to Florida. It was great to meet one of my landsmen; I am German also, and we'd talk in German and just catch up. We ran into each other every once in a while after you moved, and I will miss you.

  24. Donna Sauer posted an image:
    30 Jun 2020
    Kentucky Derby Day was always so much fun at the Gerlach's. Miriam was a great Hostess and we went home with great memories. So sorry that her time here was cut short . Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
    Kentucky Derby Day was always so much fun at the Gerlach's. Miriam was a great Hostess and we went home with great memories. So sorry that her time here was cut short . Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.

  25. Judy Wirth lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:19:28 PM

  26. Tom & Geri Treppa lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:18:20 PM

  27. Geri Treppa says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Rest in peace my "museum buddy". You gave me so much appreciation for beautiful history encompassed in the museums. God bless you and your wonderful family.

  28. John & Nancy Van Gorden says:
    30 Jun 2020
    We will miss her smile and the time Nancy spent with her. Our prayers for Garry and the girls. Rest in peace dear friend.

  29. Shelley Vogel lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:10:14 PM

  30. Shelley Vogel says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Sincere condolences to the family of Miriam. Scrabble club will not be the same without her.

  31. Janice Barrett lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:51:44 PM

  32. Janice Barrett says:
    30 Jun 2020
    I am so sorry for the loss of this very special woman. She will be missed by many. Prayers for the family.

  33. Dennis & Betty McNeeley lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:25:54 PM

  34. Dennis & Betty McNeeley says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Dennis and I will miss Miriam very much. I’ll miss our walks, chats and social get togethers. She was a wonderful woman.
    Rest In Peace my friend.

  35. Linda Grandfield says:
    30 Jun 2020
    Miriam was a wonderful giving person. She was always smiling and so appreciative of any little thing that you did for her. My husband John and I were in chorus with her. We will miss her! Our sympathies to her family!

  36. Ron & Lorraine Marshall lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:01:54 PM

  37. Linda Mandala lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:37:21 PM

  38. ELAINE FROESCHL lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:19:20 PM

  39. Dick and Dianne Masterson lit a candle:
    30 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 30, 2020 at 6:12:44 PM

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