Phyllis B. Gerlach

MADISON-Phyllis Gerlach passed away Jan. 15, 2018, at the age of 100. She was born to Olaf and Mayme Anderson on Dec. 16, 1917. She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Bob and Paul Anderson. She married her high school sweetheart, Earl Williams, who died in a sudden storm while fishing in 1950. In 1973, Phyllis married Jack Gerlach, who also preceded her in death. They shared a love of travel, bird watching, gardening and activities with the Zor Shrine.  For over 30 years she worked for the City of Madison, first with the City Welfare Department and then as a Computer Programmer, writing the first programs for the city's newly formed Data Processing Division. She was a life-long resident of Madison's east side and lived in Oakwood Village East for the last 16 years. The "4th floor gang" were like family to her.  She is survived by a daughter, Judy Stroble (Garth); two grandchildren, Jennifer Eccleston (Chris) and Jim Albright (Kerri); and a great-grandson, Jason Albright. She thought of Phil Olson (Mary Jo) and her niece, Bonnie Elsing, as her "kids", for they gave her their friendship, love and care, especially in her later years. Now she is in God's loving care.  A memorial service will be held in the TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL at OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Gunderson East Funeral Home (www.gundersonfh.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Oakwood Foundation (www.oakwoodvillage.net/support-us) or Agrace HospiceCare (www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today).