Fred Gerleman

Fred Gerleman, age 63, of Highlandville, IA, died on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave in Decorah. A private family graveside service will take place on Friday, February 5 with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Everyone attending is asked to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Cards may be sent to the family at: 3483 Highlandville Rd, Decorah, IA 52101 Frederick Anthony Gerleman was born on May 29, 1957 the son of Richard and Rita (Gipson) Gerleman in Decorah, IA. He graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1975. Fred worked various jobs before taking a job with Wicks Construction in Decorah where he has worked for the last 38 years. He married Joyce Philpott on August 25, 1978 in Bonnieville, KY. Together they had two children: Kevin and Tanya. Fred enjoyed working on cars and was a very good mechanic who could fix almost anything. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and looking for morel mushrooms. He loved spending time with his family and eating ice cream with his grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Fred is survived by his wife Joyce. Children: Kevin Gerleman, Highlandville, IA and Tanya (Scott) Finholt, Stoughton, WI. Grandchildren: Alexis, Krysta, Kiah, Izabella and Lekota Gerleman; Zak, Noelle and Teegan Finholt. Sisters: Rebecca Pratt, Gainesville, GA and Pam (Pat) Sullivan, Decorah, IA. Sisters-in-law: Gracie (Lonnie) Bryant, Bonnieville, KY; Gladys (James) Bryant, Bonnieville, KY; Mary (Johnnie) Wilson, Edmonton, KY and Nellie Bryant, Bonnieville, KY. Brothers-in-law: David Philpott, Bonnieville, KY; Royce Philpott, Bonnieville, KY and Charles Compton Jr., Bonnieville, KY along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Rita (Gipson) Gerleman. Brothers: Joey, Rickey and Randy Gerleman. Sister: Barbara in infancy. Father and mother-in-law: Ernest and Olia (Polston) Philpott. Brothers-in-law: Riley, Calvin and Roy Philpott. Sisters-in-law: Mae Dean, Bertha Carroll and Julie Bryant along with many extended family members.