[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12830]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING LARRY GERLACH

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize Larry Gerlach. 
Larry Gerlach was born October 6, 1946, in Britton, SD. In 1967, he 
married Susan O'Connor, and they made their home in Aberdeen. Larry 
quickly made himself known throughout the community for his love of the 
area and his resolve to see it grow and prosper.
  Larry became a member of the Brown County Fair Board in the 1980s and 
served on the board for 6 years. He became the president in 1989, and 
in January 1992, Larry was named the Brown County Fair manager. His 
ambition and driven attitude helped develop the Brown County Fair into 
one of the largest fairs in the region. He was able to book some of the 
biggest names in country music to perform at the grandstand that is 
being named in his honor. His friends, family, and coworkers all 
remember him as having an upbeat and positive attitude, and he was 
regarded by all as a joy to be around.
  Larry received many prestigious awards in his life, among them was 
the 1996 People's Choice ABBY Award from the Aberdeen Chamber of 
Commerce. In addition, he served as the president of the South Dakota 
Association of Fairs from 1997-2001, and in 2003, Larry was inducted 
into the South Dakota Fairman's Hall of Fame.
  Unfortunately, Larry passed away in February of 2011. Although we are 
saddened by this loss, Larry's memory will live on through his loved 
ones and those who were fortunate to work closely with him. Larry's 
sense of determination, ambition, and positive attitude helped make the 
Brown County Fair the tremendous success it is today, as well as made 
him a greatly respected man within the Brown County community and the 
entire state. He will be greatly missed by all.

                          ____________________