William “Bill” Gerla
April 18, 1935 - April 25, 2019

William “Bill” Gerla of Humboldt, and formerly of Preeceville passed away peacefully on April 25, 2019 at the age of 84 with his son by his side. Bill was born April 18, 1935 to William and Eva (nee Marianchuk) Gerla at Theodore, SK. Bill grew up on the family farm near Theodore where he attended school. Upon graduation Bill attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon where he obtained his Teaching Certificate. Bill while an active teacher would later through summer classes and a year spent in Regina obtain both his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts Degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. After obtaining his Teaching Certificate and beginning his teaching career Bill married Caroline Roebuck of Theodore, Saskatchewan on July 6, 1957. Together they moved to Flaxcombe, Saskatchewan and started their family. They moved to Osage for a short time, and then to Preeceville, Saskatchewan. After a year spent in Regina (1967-1968) to complete his Bachelor of Education Degree the family moved back to Preeceville. Upon moving back to Preeceville Bill was then employed as the Preeceville High School Principle. Bill was an active member of the Preeceville Lions Club, and served tenure as its President. Bill was actively involved in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program at Preeceville Squadron 606, first as a Civilian Instructor and then a serving Commissioned Officer. Bill also participated as a Civilian Instructor at the National level in summer camps at Bagotteville, Quebec. Bill was the treasurer for the Trinity United Church for a number of years. Bill had many pass times which included, picking mushrooms and berries, crafting bird houses, fishing, going to the hunting cabin for the annual garlic festival, and cooking. Both Bill and Caroline were excellent cooks and when it was Bill cooking everything had to be done to his satisfaction. Though for Bill, nothing was better than sitting by the fire at the cabin with a Crown Royal in one hand and a cigar in the other, looking up that the night sky. When Bill retired from teaching, he and Caroline travelled to Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed the warm weather, and in the process made many special friends. In 2009, Bill and Caroline retired to Humboldt. Bill will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his three children and four special grandchildren: Mark Gerla of Edmonton; Bill Gerla (Kathy) of Humboldt and family Steven Gerla (Jessica) and Jennifer Gerla (Kory), all of Humboldt; and Laurie Polishchuk (Brian) of Saskatoon and family Ashley Polishchuk (Joel) of Saskatoon and Brett Polishchuk of Edmonto; his brother Harold Gerla of Kelowna, BC; sister Judy (Peter) Moroz of Wadena; brothers-in-law Allan Cherney of Wadena and Victor Roebuck of Theodore; dear friend Lorenda Thimm of Pilgar as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Caroline Gerla; his parents William and Eva Gerla; daughter-in-law Brenda Gerla, infant grandson Elliot Gerla; sister Marian (Nick) Evans; parents-in-law Alec and Jesse Roebuck; and sister-in-law Marge Gerla as well as his beloved dog Swea-pea. As per Bill’s wishes a private family gathering will take place. Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be directed to Trinity United Church memorial fund, Canadian Cancer Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

This notice placed courtesy of 
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home
Phone: 682-1622