William Robert Gerlach

LIVESTREAM SERVICE:

William's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, September 22, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”

BROOKLYN - William “Bill” R. Gerlach passed away peacefully on his 61st birthday, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital with his beloved wife at his side.

Bill was born on September 16, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, to William and Jeannine (Clough) Gerlach. He grew up in Benton, Wis., where he formed lifelong friendships and a love for small-town community. A graduate of Benton High School, Class of 1983, Bill later moved to Madison, where he earned his associate degree in business from Madison College.

A natural entrepreneur with a sharp mind and strong work ethic, Bill managed several businesses before founding Gerlach Wholesale Flooring, Inc., in 1992. He built his business not only with hard work, but also with fairness, trust, and the kind of integrity that made every customer, employee, and colleague feel valued. He was admired as a businessman, but even more so as a mentor, friend, and encourager.

On September 28, 1996, Bill married the love of his life, Angela (Fiore). Together they built a life in Brooklyn, Wis., filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Bill’s proudest roles were husband and father. He adored his daughter, Michelle, and son, William “Vito,” and cherished every moment spent cheering them on in their pursuits, whether big or small. Family was always at the very center of his world.

Bill was known for his compassionate heart, quick wit, and his love of life’s simple joys. He had a lifelong soft spot for dogs, especially Nikki, Shaggy and BiJou. Bill loved boating and waterskiing on the Madison lakes and was happiest outdoors with the sun on his face and family nearby. Friends will remember him as steady, generous, and always ready with a smile or a helping hand.

Bill’s life, like so many, included both great joy and real struggle. He lived with the disease of alcoholism, and his family shares this truth with compassion, in the hope of helping others. In his memory, they encourage anyone facing addiction to find support, knowing that love and healing are always possible.

Bill is survived by his wife, Angela (Fiore); daughter, Michelle Krieg; son, William “Vito” (Claire); five sisters, Diane (Edwin) Ernst, Sherry (Bill) Trickel-White, Tammy Danz, Mary Gerlach and Ronda Jasper; two brothers, Ron (Missy) Gerlach and Sylvan Gerlach; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Denny Trickel; sisters, Linda Regich, and Tina and Steve Udelhofen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, with Father David Wanish presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit William’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the Mass and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Bill’s name to Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church or Dane County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515