Karen Ann Gerlach

Karen Ann Gerlach, age 64, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, of natural causes at her home in Taylorsville, Utah on January 24, 2022.

She was born in Rochester, NY, on June 16, 1957, a Father’s Day present to Fred H Gerlach and Lois Grace Henderson. She moved with her family to Kearns, UT, and then to Richardson, TX. In her teenage years, she moved to San Jose, CA, where she graduated from Lynbrook HS (‘75).  Karen attended BYU-Hawaii, majoring in travel management, and working at the Polynesian Culture Center.  She developed an abiding love for the Polynesian people and visiting the islands of the South Pacific. 

She became an accomplished travel agent, helping thousands of people realize their dreams to see and experience beautiful and exotic places around the world.  She escorted many tours, specializing in groups to Israel. Karen developed many lasting friendships with co-workers and people in many countries.  Her last place of employment was Morris Murdock in Salt Lake City.

She loved photography and scrapbooking, and spending time with family. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served faithfully in many positions, she especially enjoyed teaching.

Karen is survived by her sister, Carol, who was her lifelong soulmate, travel companion, and care-giver, as Karen experienced many health problems in the last few years. She leaves behind her loving cat, Salem. She is survived by brother Fred (Christi); and sisters Linda Kelley, Kathy Vincent (Ron), and Kathy Ann Dickson. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; and sister Cynthia Graham.

Funeral services will be at the Meadowbrook Second Ward, 1250 West Atherton Dr, Taylorsville, UT, on Monday, January 31st at 11 am.  There will be a viewing at the building at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.