Gavin Paul Gerlach, born March 21st, 2016, was granted his angel wings on June 30th, 2017 following a brief illness. His final hours were spent surrounded by family and friends that Gavin had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet very memorable life. 

Gavin's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around him. He never learned to sing, but his happiness was reflected in dancing while his father played guitar for him. Gavin never learned to be an outdoorsman, but he would have been a great one as he loved being outside to play regardless of the weather. Gavin enjoyed spending time with his adoring mother, Jessica, who chose to be a stay at home mom and loved taking him to the park, on walks, and to her parents’ pools. He loved playing with “momma” Keira, his big sister who loved spoiling her little, baby brother. Despite his tender age, Gavin lived life with the kind of gusto few experience, with his family nickname “Savage” a testament to the way he attacked life.

Whether it be jumping on and hugging his two dogs, or in some cases his sister Keira, Gavin's spirit was full of life. With Gavin's passing, we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, especially his beautiful smile and big, blue eyes, he will forever remain in our hearts. We have wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to be his family. We are so thankful Gavin's sister Keira had time to meet her brother so she can hold dear the memory of “Gavy's” gentle spirit. We take comfort in the fact that Gavin will be in Heaven to welcome his parents and siblings one day. Gavin loved his father Cale's music, with two lines from the songs Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton and Think of Laura by Christopher Cross that come to mind: “Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure, and I know there'll be no more, tears in heaven.” “When you think of Gavin, laugh, don't cry as I know he'd want it that way.” His family has been overwhelmed by the support they received from family, friends and complete strangers, whose acts of kindness have touched us deeply. As it says in Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” We are so grateful for all the angels in our midst. 

Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Cale and Jessica (Yoder) Gerlach of Flora, IN, his sister Keira Gerlach and his unborn sibling, paternal grandparents James and Patrice Gerlach of Fowler, IN, maternal grandparents Darrell (Kris) Yoder of Flora, IN and Lisa (Jason) Murdock of Indianapolis, IN, uncles/aunts Cort, Keane and Charity Gerlach of Fowler, IN, Carly Yoder of Muncie, IN, Shane and Macie Murdock of Indianapolis, IN, Griffin and Karli (Gerlach) Quick of Sandy, UT, Robert and Chelsey (Gerlach) Riddell of West Lafayette, IN, Jacob and Morgan (Yoder) Craig of Flora, IN, Pete and Tiffany (Davis) Tribble of Lafayette, IN, Tyler and Rachel (Scarlett) Davis of Owassa, OK, maternal great-grandparents Marvin and Joyce Yoder of Flora, IN, Larry and Connie Nance of Windfall, IN, Charlie and Diane Murdock of Indianapolis, IN, paternal great-grandparents Patricia Miller of Lafayette, IN, Diane Miller of Fowler, IN and Lynn Goins of Middleburg, FL, paternal great-great grandmother Doris Hartert of Jacksonville Beach FL, along with many great uncles/aunts and cousins. 

Visitation hours are to be held Wednesday July 5th from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday July 6th at 10:00am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 1916 Meharry St, Lafayette, IN to be followed by a procession to internment at Maple Lawn Cemetery on State Rd 18 east of Flora, IN. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up to either:  https://www.gofundme.com/memorial-for-gavin-gerlach Or:  The Gavin Gerlach Memorial Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, 307 South Grant Avenue Fowler, IN 47944.