Jacob John Gerlach
January 31, 1994 ~ May 23, 2021
Age 27 of Robbinsdale, formerly of Forest Lake. Passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2021.
Jake was born in Forest Lake to loving parents, John & Sue. He was the youngest of five kids: Leah, Matt, Nate & Jessica. After graduation Jake earned a living as a general contractor doing remodeling work that he enjoyed and was proud of. He loved his home in Minneapolis that he shared with his girlfriend Loryn and their dog Nyko. Always health conscious, he began each morning walking Nyko either by foot or by longboard and ended each day indulging in his love for food and cooking by finding or creating a meal for Loryn…and Nyko.
Jake loved to ride his motorcycle, travel, play his guitar, write, and pull off the perfect outfit. Much like his dad, he was an artful storyteller who loved to make people laugh. Much like his mom, he led with his heart and always brought so much joy to those who knew him. Jacob loved to spend time with his family. He’d never miss an opportunity to road trip or see a movie with his dad or hangout and act silly watching videos or jamming to the Bee Gees with his mom. He was a dedicated uncle who spent time with his nieces and nephews cultivating a unique relationship with each of them. He loved being together with his siblings; sharing belly laughs over bonfires.
Jacob was a gentle soul, genuine and sincere in all aspects of his life. He was always full of compassion for others. He had overcome many health hurdles, including cancer, and we do not know why God chose to take him now, although we are grateful he went peacefully at his home with his loved ones. He will be missed and Forever Loved by all.
Survived by proud parents, John siblings, Leah Waldo (Tim Mars), Matt Waldo (Brittany Miller), Nate (Brooke) Waldo, Jessica Ruka (Dee Murray); grandmothers, Marie Gerlach, Almeda Alsaker; girlfriend, Loryn Ferdelman; nieces & nephews, Kaily, Taylor, Dylan, Cayden, Owen, Miles, John, Willow, Desdemona, Izayah, Jaemison; many aunts, uncles, cousins & friends. Preceded in death by grandfathers, William Gerlach, Norman Alsaker; uncles, David & Mike Alsaker; cousin, Jamie Martinson-Francis.
A celebration of Jake’s life 4 PM Friday, May 28th with visitation beginning at 2 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Jake gave the gift of sight by being a donor.
One heck of a guy! In the short time I was privileged to know you, I just loved your infectious positivity of life. Your laugh and smile brightened everyone’s day. Miss you bud, rest in heavenly peace 🙏
Although we are far away, we will hold you close in our thoughts and in our hearts today and always.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
In loving memory of Jacob, he will forever be with us. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers on this difficult journey. He was a wonderful man.
Way to soon💙
To my youngest grandson Jacob who showed nothing but caring and love to me. Such a delightful individual who was so full of life. No words can express my love for you and how you are missed. If you saw me across a room you always came over and gave me hugs and made sure i was ok. Your charm and laugher will remain with me in my heart forever. How you would assure me that Niko was friendly dog. He will miss his morning runs/walks with you. Go dance with Jamie and sign with the angels.I love You.
Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers!
Jake will be in our hearts forever! We love you all so much!
John & Sue, Our hearts ache with yours. We feel like we lost a brother we never met because John is like a father to us. 2 Timothy 4:7&22. God bless
Our heartfelt sympathy to you, John, Sue, and all your immediate and extended family. Dick & Judy Altman
R.I.P. Jake
Our deepest sympathies to you and family in the loss of Jacob. He will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Sympathies Sue & family 🙏
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Jacob to the family. I never met Jacob or his parents but I am a friend of Grandma Marie and she always spoke of him. Prayers are with you.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John, Sue and the Gerlach /Waldo family, and Loryn, Our endless thoughts and support for you all. Jake will forever be in our hearts.
My dear, Jacob John. You are the light of my life, my everything. You will forever be in my heart. I love you so so so much. I will never forget baby
So sorry for your loss, Jess. You’re always in our thoughts and hearts. Much love, Sue and Brian
Thank you for making such a beautiful impact on our lives. We will cherish the memories and remember you forever. We love you so much. Fly high Jake
We called you Jakie, and you didn’t mind. You were one of our favorite people and we are incredibly honored to have gotten to know you these past few years and we are thankful for all that you did for us. Your infectious laugh, smiling face, quick wit, hard work ethic and your appreciation of life are all things that will be greatly missed, yet fondly remembered. You were always so respectful and caring and such a joy to be around and we looked forward to the next time we’d get to see you. Thank you for being a part of our lives~you will be missed beyond words. Rest In Peace our dear friend. Darnell & Dick Fischer
With deepest sympathy,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sleep peacefully, Jacob… Our hearts are saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. We love you guys!
I am proud to say Jake was My Friend. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives. I am so sorry for Your loss.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Even though we knew Jake for a short 3 years, he was an awesome person and will truly be missed. -The Falls and Pinnacle Team
With loving memories of “Jacob Gerlach”, Brother from another mother! From the Warner family
Sue, Johnny and family, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Jake was such a sweet young man !!!! He was also such a loving mommy’s boy, which was so adorable !!! He loved his family so much !!! Didn’t get to see him very often, but was always awesome when we did !!!! Ride on young man !!
Leah , Matt and Nate , We are thinking of you and Sending you lots of hugs and prayers . Lots of Love , Aunt Charlann ,Uncle Ronny And kids
Thoughts Hugs and Prayers to the family! Love Bert Miller Lisa Myer and family
Our hearts are never ready to say goodbye. With deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Thinking of you all. Hearts and prayers.
Wishing you as much peace as possible during this difficult time.
Sending my deepest condolences to all of Jacobs family and friends 🙏🏻❤️
2 brothers in 2 months