LAWRENCE K. "LARRY" GERLICH, age 74, of Portage, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012. He was a lifelong area resident and retired from Gainer Bank as chief security officer. As a teen, Larry was honored with membership in the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow, and attained the level of Eagle Scout. Larry was a member of Eastern Star Ch. 314 and served as Worthy Patron multiple times. He was a 50-year member of the M.L. McClelland Lodge No. 357 F. & A.M. and was honored as a teen with membership in the DeMolay. He was a loving husband and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Carolyn J.; mother, Marjorie Gerlich; sister-in-law, Mary Gerlich; 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence and brother Richard K. Gerlich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Larry will be Saturday, January 15, 2012 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart with Rev. Charles Strietelmeier officiating and including Eastern Star and Masonic services. Visitation will be just prior to the services from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For information, please call Rees Funeral Homes at (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.