Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul
Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul was founded by William Henry Gerlock. He was born on March 11, 1908, the son of Heinrich Gerlach (born 1876 in Norka, Russia) and Anna Margaretha Göttmann (Gettman), born in 1878 in Frank, Russia. Henry and Margaret immigrated to the USA in 1906, and he worked in the garbage collection business.
William (known as Bill) married Grace Davis on January 23, 1930.
By 1930, Bill was working as a tow truck driver, which he continued through 1940. In 1946, he founded Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul. He continued as owner and operator until his retirement in 1976.
Bill died in Portland in February 1987.
William (known as Bill) married Grace Davis on January 23, 1930.
By 1930, Bill was working as a tow truck driver, which he continued through 1940. In 1946, he founded Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul. He continued as owner and operator until his retirement in 1976.
Bill died in Portland in February 1987.
Sources
U.S. Federal Censuses, Oregon birth, marriage, and death records - Ancestry.com
Gerlock Towing website
Gerlock Towing website
Last updated December 8, 2025