GERT EHRLICH, 86, Urbana, Research Professor, Department of Material Science, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, departed this life August 10, 2012 at 1 am ending three weeks of skilled and compassionate care by the staff of Heartland Health Services, Champaign, Illinois.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Anne, his sister and her two daughters in California.

Gert began his professional career at the General Electric Research Laboratory, Schenectady, N.Y. where he conducted research on surfaces at the atomic scale from 1954 to 1968 when he joined the faculty at the University of Illinois and continued his work until 5 weeks before his death.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Contributions honoring Gert may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 East Main Street, Urbana, Illinois.