Gerhardt P. Christian, 91, of Theresa, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira.

He was born on July 17, 1919, on the family homestead farm in Theresa township. He married Marianne Justmann on Sept. 3, 1943.

Gerhardt spent his working life as a successful dairy farmer. Alongside his farmwork, he also sold Dairyland seed for 50 years and InstaGro fertilizer.

He was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church) in the town of Theresa and established and led the Lutheran Laymen’s League since 1966.

He is survived by six children, Diane (Jerry) Boehm of Saginaw, Mich., Lois (Marty) Knoll of West Bend, Paul Christian of the town of Theresa, Elaine (Gary) Hanson of Oshkosh, Richard (Gail) Christian of the town of Theresa and Neil (Julie) of Menomonee Falls. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Jean Christian of Milwaukee, Martha Christian of Mayville and Fern Christian of Elgin, Ill.

Preceding him in death was his loving wife, Marianne; three brothers, Erwin, Arthur and William; and sisters, Melinda Meyer and Esther Jobe.

Family will greet friends and relatives at Immanuel Lutheran Church, N8092 Highway AY, Mayville, on Friday, March 18, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also on Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The funeral service of praise will follow at 2:30 p.m. Internment will follow the service at Immanuel Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Lutheran Laymen’s League.

The family sincerely thanks Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira, Heartland Hospice Homecare and caregiver, Bonnie Schultz. for their loving care shown to Gerhardt over the past year.

Cottrill Funeral Home in Mayville is assisting the family. (920) 387-2440.