Jack A. Gehrlein, 88, of Erie, passed away Thursday March 21, 2024. He was born in Erie on June 7, 1935, a son of the late Leo H. and Beulah Utley Gehrlein.

Jack graduated from Academy High School and served in the United States Army. He worked at Penn Beer for 40 years as General Manager of Penn Beer Company for George Barber.

Jack was an active member of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church for over 50 years where he served as an elder and deacon and participated on the softball and basketball teams. He was a member of many social clubs including the CYS Club and the Siebenbuerger Club. Jack organized the Kitchen Program at Emmanuel and received an award naming him as the "Founding Father of the Basketball Program" at the Emmanuel Sports Banquet.

In addition, he was recognized at the YMCA annual award dinner meetings and received several awards for his outstanding contribution for furthering the athletic programs of the Industrial League. His love has always been sports. Jack was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, was known as "Jake the Snake", and one of his favorite sayings was "you can't put a price tag on a good time". He was a fun-loving guy enjoyed by many friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dolores Gehrlein, and his brother, Leo "Bud" Gehrlein, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Blanche Chamberlain Gehrlein; two daughters, Kim Wurst (David) of Girard and Laurie Adams (Michael) of Erie; one son, Jack Gehrlein, Jr. (Lou Ann) of Erie; six grandchildren, Daniel, Rebecca, and Andrew Wurst, Brian Gehrlein, Ashley Pierson (Enoch), and Jacob Gehrlein; three great grandchildren, Lucas, Elizabeth, and Everett; one brother, David Gehrlein, of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. followed by a funeral service at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 3520 Perry St, Erie, PA 16504, or the VA Medical Center, 135 East 38th Street, Boulevard, Erie, PA 16504.