Lawrence E. Gerling

Lawrence E. Gerling, age 99, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away Tuesday June 28, 2016, at a Sioux City nursing home. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, July 6, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church where a prayer service will be held at 7 PM. Lawrence’s family will also greet friends on Thursday one hour prior to services.

Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence E. Gerling was born the son of Robert and Matilda (Kupp) Gerling, on April 22, 1917 in Newman Grove, Nebraska. On January 25, 1941, Lawrence was united in marriage with Eileen Denker at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, NE. Eileen preceded him in death on June 4, 2015. Three children were born to this union. The family farmed at Wakefield before settling in Sioux City in the late 1950s. After farming, Lawrence, then, was employed as a machinist with Cargill for 24 years.

Mr. Gerling was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed time spent with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lawrence also loved to garden especially growing tomatoes.

Lawrence is survived by his three children: Jean (Terry) Poulsen of Old Hickory, TN; Bill (Diana) Gerling of Hermitage, TN; and Teri (Joe) Gerling-Mills of Sioux City; five grandchildren: Sheri Reed, Julie Poulsen, Angela Calixte, Hillary Gerling and Melissa Houska; seven great-grandchildren: Jack, Anna Grace and Michael Reed; David Poulsen; Tyson Calixte; Jada Houska and Tre Cain; one sister Helen Wentworth; and many nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers and one sister.