Mr. Merrill “Butch” Gerrich, 79, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 8:48 PM on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at his home.
On September 12, 1941, Merrill Butch Gerrich was born in Rochester to Harold M. and Beatrice A. Kirby Gerrich. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Oscar. In 1959 Butch graduated from Rochester High School. He played the trumpet in the RHS band and achieved perfect attendance throughout his high school years. Butch reminisced about "cruising," Rochester and driving on the ice with friends during his high school years.
On December 1, 1963, Butch and Hannah Lee Williams were married in the First Baptist Church. They have shared 58 years of life’s adventures. Together they raised three wonderful children. The family tree has grown with the added blessings of two more generations.
An avid reader, Butch was the proud owner of a vast library of mystery novels. Many were authored by his favorite Clive Cussler. He followed Notre Dame, Da' Bears, Cubbies and Dale Jr. The Food Channel was often watched. To relax Butch enjoyed old western movies, especially those starring John Wayne. Listening to music was a source of enjoyment, he especially enjoyed Willie's Roadhouse channel that plays classic country and western music.
Left to cherish Butch's memory are his wife, Hannah, two daughters Lee Ann Wall (Bill) of Ridgeway, SC, Denise Gerrich of Rochester, son Chuck Williams (Judy) of Nicholasville, KY; seven grandchildren Heather Watson (Steven), Jonathan Williams, Christopher Williams, twins Erin Phillips & Amanda Whaley (Pat), Andrew "Drew" Shafer (Andrea), Megan Kicklighter; six great-grandchildren Adam Cole Whaley, twins Peyton and Addison Whaley, Keaton Phillips, Nina Watson, Jimmy Watson; a brother Oscar "Bill" Gerrich (Shirley) of Queen Valley, AZ.
Preceding Butch in death are his parents and his treasured feline companions Smokey and Junior.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate of the life of Mr. Merrill “Butch” Gerrich from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home. Preferred memorials may be made to https://www.thedalejrfoundation.org Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
