05/20/2026
Today, we want to take a moment to honor and remember our company pastor, Pastor Gerhard.
I first met Pastor Gerhard in 2019 when I was invited to attend a leadership meeting at the Arbor Rose corporate office. From that moment on, I found myself inspired not only by his teachings from the Bible, but by the way he spoke about leadership, faith, and people. He believed leadership was about serving others, praying for one another, and lifting people up when they were down.
Pastor Gerhard started so many of our staff meetings over the years, and his presence became a part of the foundation of who we are. He wasn’t just our pastor — he was a true friend, mentor, and encourager to so many of us. He was never afraid to speak his mind, but everything he said came from a place of love and conviction. One thing he often reminded people was simple but powerful: “Jesus loved you.”
One story that always stayed with me was when he shared about trusting the Lord through financial hardships and how his wife and his faith helped him let go of his beloved train collection so he could focus on what truly mattered most. His message was always about faith, trusting God during difficult seasons, and believing that even through hard times, you can make it through.
And anyone who knew Pastor also knew his lovely wife, Judy, was never afraid to lovingly call him out in front of everyone — something that always brought laughter and reminded us how genuine and grounded they both were. May they now be reunited together in Heaven.
Even seven years later, every time Pastor spoke, I still got excited to hear him talk. He truly embodied the Arbor Rose spirit of “Small Home, Big Heart.” Alongside the Zabka family, he helped reinforce the importance of leadership, compassion, and community within these homes.
So many of us poured our love into these communities, and we will continue to carry the Arbor Rose tradition forward — stronger than ever — founded on the same principles Pastor Gerhard spoke about so often: loving, serving, and growing together. His impact will continue to live on through the people he encouraged and the communities he helped shape.
We will continue to remember Pastor Gerhard as we move forward, carrying his lessons, faith, and leadership with us every day.
- Dakota and Sandra
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 💜