Gerhardt Erick Leo Poch, age 83 passed away in his home peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 9, 2017 after living with multiple myeloma for six years.

He was born on August 23, 1933 to George and Martha (Harms) Poch in North Morristown, MN. He graduated in 1951 from Faribault High School. Gerhardt married Darlene Koger in Faribault, MN on June 26, 1954.

He enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 1951 and was in active reserves until 1956 when he enlisted as active duty. There were thirty men in his military unit, twenty-nine men went to Korea and he was assigned to duty in Germany. Gary was stationed in Fulda, Germany for two years as border-patrol with the 14 th Armored Calvary. It was at this time, that Gary and his wife met his German born mother's family which began a lasting connection for generations to come.

Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Faribault, MN where he began his working career, working at several trucking operations. In 1973, he purchased a Schweigert Meat Distributorship in Rochester, MN, serving customers in a fifty mile radius for 26 years.

Gary was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, Rochester Music Men Barbershop Chorus and Bluebird Recovery Program of MN. He was an avid golfer, golfing five or six times per week, always insisting on walking the entire 18 holes. He loved singing with the church choir and sang with the Barbershoppers for forty-five years. He also enjoyed doing work in his yard, traveling, feeding and watching birds and auto mechanics. Gerhardt will be remembered for his upbeat nature, playful sense of humor, outgoing personality, and love of music.

Gary is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Darlene and their son Gary both of Rochester. His brother George (Gloria) Poch of Rochester, his sister Charlotte (Dick) McDonough of Faribault, MN, four grandchildren Bryce Poch, Gina (Ira) Newell, Ethan Poch, Lauren Poch, two great-grandchildren Aria and Reid Newell.

The funeral service for Gary will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester officiated by Pastor Adam Koglin. Visitation will be held from 9:30am until 11:00am prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery in Faribault, MN. Pall Bearers will be his four grandchildren and three God-Children: Brian Poch, Gale Poch, and Patrick McDonough.

The family requests memorials be made to Seasons Hospice, Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Eagles Cancer Telethon. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Minneapolis VA Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Seasons Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and excellent care.