Sparta – Willis R. "Willie" Gerlach was born in Schuline, IL on January 10, 1932, to Edmund F. Gerlach and Alta (Mines) Gerlach. He went home to be with his Lord at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation on September 3, 2025. He was 93 years old. Willis was married on November 19, 1955, to Marilyn Sue (Marlow) Gerlach of Pinckneyville, IL. They were a devoted couple who would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2025.

Willis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved his country and was happy to serve. He was a faithful member of Steeleville Baptist Church in Steeleville, IL. Willis found salvation through Jesus at the age of 25 at Nine Mile Baptist Church. He loved his Lord with all his heart.

Willis was employed by Spartan Printing Company for 36 years, retiring at the age of 62, but his favorite job was as a herdsman for C.L. McHatton, where he herded cattle on a horse named Susie. He was always happy to serve on various management boards in the community, such as, the Central School Library Board, Egyptian Telephone Board and Nominating Committee and President of the Randolph County Rod and Gun Club in Schuline.

Willis loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and gardening. He grew delicious tomatoes and fabulous sweetcorn and was happy to share with family and friends. Willis could fix anything and always figured out a way to make it better his own way. He enjoyed driving the van and managing the sound system for The Raptures in the 1970s. He worked quietly behind the scenes, but they could not have done it without him.

Willis is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Angela Sue (Randy) Truluck, grandsons: Jerad (Stephanie) Hoffmann, Bryan Jordan (Ottilie) Hoffmann, Terry Ryan (Andrea) Gerlach, Richard Caleb (Autumn) Gerlach and Billie (Haley) Gerlach; granddaughters: Marilyn (Casey) Newport, Heaven (Josh) Sanderson; step-grandchildren: Jennie Martinsen, Jeremy Truluck, and Kristen Schumacher; sisters-in-law: Nellie Gerlach, Jeanette Moeller, Mary Helen Moeller, Ramona (Dustin) Hatch; 15 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Maria.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Alvina (Moeller) Gerlach, son Terry Gerlach, sister Janet Shipp, brothers: James Gerlach, Donald Moeller and William Moeller; brothers-in-law: Roger Marlow, Darroll Marlow; and great nieces, Jessica Gerlach and Kristine (Moeller) Trout.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00 pm, at Steeleville Baptist Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Dr. Jared Pemper and Rev. Tim McIntyre officiating. Burial to follow at Union Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Visitation will be Saturday morning, where friends may call from noon until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Steeleville Baptist Church and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.