Edwin G. Gerling

Edwin G. Gerling, age 86 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, January 26, 2012, at his residence in Highland, IL. He was born on Tuesday, September 15, 1925, in Edwardsville, IL, the son of Edwin H. C. and Gertrude G. (nee Head) Gerling. On Saturday, March 24, 1951, he married Marion E. Gerling (nee Kurz) who survives. Born in Edwardsville and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1943. He entered the Army Air Corps with duty stateside during World War II for 2 1/2 years. He received his a Bachelor of Science degree from Schurtleff College in Alton in 1950. In 1951, he was employed by the Highland plant of the Alton Box Board Company and remained there for 31 years until he retired as their Administrative Manager in 1982.His family roots can be traced back to 1812 in Madison County, IL. He taught night school at SIU-E. His passion was family history; preservation of history, church and family. Memberships: First Congregational Church, Highland, IL Past President of the church, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Historian and Trustee for two terms; The Wheelmen (International Family Organization that preserves antique bicycles, founded in 1967) Past National Commander Boy Scouts of America Assistant Scoutmaster (1960â€™s) Old Newsboys Day (He sold papers from the first year it started) Madison County Genealogy Society Charter Member Wrote Book â€œMadison County Place Namesâ€ Highland Chamber of Commerce Past member and Tour Guide General George Rogers Clark, Chapter of Illinois Society, Sons of the American Revolution Former Chapter Secretary Louis Latzer Memorial Public Library, Board of Trustees 35 year member Served as President for 20 years, retired in 1999 Highland School Board of Education Past President and served two terms Illinois State Historical Society Author of â€œRegimental History of 117 Illinois Infantry Volunteers, McKendree Regiment 1862-1865 Lee Item Post 439-American Legion, Highland, IL Recipient of the: Homer Poss Life Time Achievement Award in 2004 Highland Historical Society Past President Highland Sesquicentennial Association Survivors include: Wife - Marion E. Gerling, Highland, IL Son - Bryan E. Gerling, Highland, IL Son - Robert C. (Debra) Gerling, Guthrie, OK Daughter - Jane G. (Jeffrey) Johnson, Glen Carbon, IL Grandchild - Stephanie D. Gerling, Edmond, OK Grandchild - Benjamin D. (Marcie) Johnson, Sun Prairie, WI Grandchild - Rebekah A. (fiancee-Daniel Cowin) Johnson, Ferguson, MO Grandchild - Kathleen J. \"Katie Jane\" (Tony) Hruby, Oak Harbor, WA Grandchild - Anna L. (Daniel) Yarger, Glen Carbon, IL Grandchild - Joseph A. Gerling, Guthrie, OK Grandchild - Susannah L. (Michael) Zentz, Honolulu, HI Great Grandchild - Amelia M. Johnson, Sun Prairie, WI Great Grandchild - Megan E. Johnson, Sun Prairie, WI. He was preceded in death by: Father - Edwin H. C. Gerling Mother - Gertrude G. Gerling Sister - Gelane Hanrahan (died 10/07/2007) Infant Brother - Harvey Gerling.

Edwin G. Gerling

September 15, 1925 - January 26, 2012