D.W. "Bill" Gerlits

D.W. "Bill" Gerlits (April 5, 1929 - December 31, 2008) was a local actor in the Iowa City area. He had acted professionally, on television, stage and radio and in motion pictures. Bill worked with the Iowa City Community Theatre for over 35 years, being involved in over 100 productions. He acted, directed and created special effects for the theatre. He was also a director with the Iowa City Footlighters and worked with several independent production companies. Bill also was involved in several productions with the Old Creamery Theatre when it was located in Garrison, Iowa.

He received a bachelor's degree and DDS degrees from the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1952 and also as a Hospital Corpsman with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War, 1951-1952. Bill practiced dentistry and did medical research in Oregon. He taught various science courses for the Cedar Rapids School District for 24 years, retiring in 1991.