Helen Evelyn Gerlach

Helen Zebell Gerlach (Nanny), 93, of Stevensville, entered into eternal life early Thursday morning, June 12, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd; Stevensville, MI. with the Rev. Carl Pagel officiating. The committal service will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd; St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Helen was born on April 2, 1915 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Robert and Eva (Gartz) Moritz. At the age of six, she moved to Benton Harbor, MI. In 1936, she was united in marriage to Wilbur (Bud) Zebell. Together they raised three daughters; Lorraine, Sharon and Marlene. They owned and operated Better Building Products and Millburg Sand and Gravel. After his death in 1966, Helen continued to manage both businesses. In 1969 she married John Gerlach with whom she shared 27 years of marriage. Helen was an active parishioner of Grace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. During her lifetime she participated in many clubs and organizations. Nanny’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and organizing many holiday events and family reunions. She also loved to read and tend her flower gardens. Helen is survived by her daughters, Lorraine (Mark) Kellogg of Auburndale, FL, Sharon (Fred) Scheffler of Auburndale, FL, Marlene (Steve) Wright of Stevensville, MI; stepson, Ron (Arlene) Gerlach of Cordova, TN, thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilbur Zebell; second husband, John Gerlach; two brothers; two sisters; one granddaughter and one grandson. Helen will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.