OBITUARIES

ASHTON GERLACH

Ashton D. Gerlach, 91, of Lansdale, Pa, passed away on March 1, 2014 in Bryn Mawr, PA after a courageous battle with gall bladder complications.

Born in Rosemont, NE, son of Herman and Lena Gerlach, he attended public schools, graduating from Blue Hill High School in 1940, attended University of Nebraska at Lincoln, NE for one year, and Colorado State University at Ft Collins, CO for one year.

In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Combat Engineer Officer, landing on Omaha Beach, awarded a Bronze Star, and then continued to serve in combat until the end of the European War. Following his discharge from the service as a Captain, he attended the University of Denver, receiving in 1949 a Bach- elor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting.

In 1950, upon the commencement of the Korean War, he was called to active duty, and after serving two years as an officer was discharged at the end of the Korean engagement.

Following his return to Denver, CO, he married Betty Kirschmer who had two sons, Robert and Charles, from a previous marriage. Robert passed away in 1999.

Subsequent to his marriage, he served in various financial positions in Colorado and California, and, in 1972, became President of Melrath Gasket Co. of Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1981, he purchased a metal stamping company, later named Corona Corporation of Red Hill, Pa., where he remained as President & CEO until his recent death.Mr. Gerlach was a member the Nebraska Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Gerlach is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; a son, Charles Gerlach and wife, Dorothy, of Los Angeles, CA; two sister-in-laws, Arliss and Berta of Palm Desert, CA; a brother, Clinton Gerlach and his wife, Billie, of Los Angeles, CA; and a nephew, Clinton G. Gerlach II and his wife, Roberta, of Huntington Beach, CA; and a niece Kimberlee of Pine Mountain, GA.

There will be no viewing or calling hours, but a memorial service will be held at a private graveside service at a later date in Wray, Colorado, where his son, Robert is buried.

Arrangements are by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale. www. huffandlakjer.com