October 10, 2011  

LOWVILLE, N.Y.  —  John Martin Gehrlein, 77, died at his home Sunday, October 9. 

Born June 3, 1934, in Erie, Pa., the son of the late Oscar John and Wava Martin Gehrlein, he was educated in Erie public schools and received his bachelor of arts degree from Penn State University in 1957. He did his graduate work at Penn State, Gannon, St. Lawrence, Potsdam, Edinboro State (Pa.) and Emmanuel College. 

He worked at 35 different jobs before the age of 30. 

John served in the U.S. Army, Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. 

He began teaching in 1961 at Clymer, N.Y. Central School and moved to South Lewis in 1964 where he taught English for 19 years. He served two terms as president and three terms are vice president of the South Lewis Teachers' Association. He also served six years on the board of directors of the State Gifted Association and Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York State. John also supervised the gifted program at South Lewis for 13 years and retired in 1996. 

John was active in the community where he was known for his weekly column “The Other Side of the Coin” in the Adirondack Mountain Sun, and The Journal & Republican.  

As a sport enthusiast he worked for 20 years as a high school, college and sandlot baseball and softball umpire in the North Country, only relinquishing his duties because of his bad knees. John’s favorite field was the New Bremen ball diamond. He was a passionate Yankee fan. 

John enjoyed reading, writing, crosswords and travel. 

Surviving are his companion Debbie Smith Kriwox, Lowville; two children, Justina Cheryl Vroman, Canajoharie; and John Jacob Gehrlein, Albany; three grandchildren, Andrew, Adam, and Alexander Vroman, all of Canajoharie. 

A brother, James “Cricket” Gehrlein, died before him. 

Per John’s wishes, he is to be cremated with no services, and memorials in his name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. 

Condolences may be made on the online guest book at www.sundquistfh.com.







Information provided by Sundquist Funeral Home of Lowville and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.