Fred E. Gerlock

Fred Emil Gerlock, 85, of La Junta passed away on Thursday November 11, 2010 at his daughter’s home in La Junta. He was under the loving care of his two daughters, Carolyn and Marilyn. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be Monday, November 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor Richard Johnson officiating. Internment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

Fred was born on February 23, 1925 to George and Emma (Windecker) Gerlock in Eads, Colorado. As a young child his family settled in Sugar City, where he helped on the family farm.

While in the Sugar City area he met Mary Frances Lindt. They were married on August 6, 1946 in Tribune, Kansas. They moved to La Junta, where they made their permanent home.

Fred was a hard working man, providing for his family in many lines of work. Those included topping onions and beets and then later working at the sugar factory in Sugar City, Colorado. After moving to La Junta he drove a Coca Cola delivery truck. In 1958 Fred went to work for Western Canning as an over the road truck driver for the next 21 years. After which time he retired from driving and he became the safety supervisor for Dean Foods (formerly known as Western Canning) for the next 10 years, retiring in 1987 with the company. After his retirement he transported vehicles for several car dealerships in the La Junta area.

Over the past several years Fred became a frequent patron of Copper Kitchen, where he visited with his many friends on an almost daily basis.

Fred is survived by his children, Marilyn (Jerry) Fisher, Carolyn (Rodney) Gearhart, all of La Junta; Fred (Fannie of Pueblo, CO) Gerlock of Alice, Texas; Richard (Linda) Gerlock of Alice, Texas; Steve (Joyce) Gerlock of Woodworth, Louisiana; 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; brother Ed Gerlock of La Junta and sister Linda Dodd of Independence, Mo.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Frances of 62 years, son Mike Gerlock, both parents, one brother, and four sisters. 

Peacock-Larson Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to Arkansas Valley Hospice.