Nelta Jean Gerlach, 95, of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, in Morrison, IL.
Nelta was born November 16, 1930, in Garden Plain, IL, to John and Fannie (Renkes) Damhoff. She was educated in the Morrison grade schools and was a graduate of Morrison High School. On February 28, 1952, she married Vyrle E. Gerlach, in Morrison. They shared their lives together for over 68 years, until his passing on November 25, 2020. Nelta worked at Old National Tea Store in Morrison and later at the IGA. She took a short break from working to raise her young children. She then went to work at General Electric, until her retirement. She was a member at Emmanuel Church in Morrison. In her free time, Nelta enjoyed embroidering quilts for all of her grandchildren. She was an amazing baker and loved to cook for her family. She hosted family dinner every Sunday. Nelta also loved reading and doing word finds. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Left to miss her are her sons, Randy (Jackie) Gerlach of Nachusa, IL, Jerry Gerlach of Albany, IL, and Mark (Jeanette) Gerlach of Rock Falls, IL; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; sister, Joan (Arthur) Weaver of Morrison, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vyrle; grandson, Preston Gerlach; stepgrandson, Devon Hayes; sisters, Arlene Bush and Ruth Story; brothers, Gilbert and Jacob Damhoff.
A Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison, IL.
Her Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Ken Renkes officiating.
Interment will be at the Grove Hill Cemetery, in Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established to Resthave Care & Rehabilitation.