Craig Gernhardt—who once was the publisher of the now-defunct Gay Chicago—has died at age 61, according to Tribute Archive.
His father, Gay Chicago Magazine co-founder and Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Paul Gernhardt, passed away in 2006.
The younger Gernhardt graduated from high school in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in 1979. After graduation, he moved to Chicago, where he went to work delivering newspapers for his father at Gay Chicago Magazine. That is where Craig developed his love for journalism and photojournalism. He resided in the Rogers Park area and become an outspoken advocate, launching a Blog: The Broken Heart of Rogers Park.
Life was not always easy for Craig and, over the years, he found himself in unpredictable circumstances that put him living on the streets. Craig had a very challenging personality and could be difficult to love, but he had a bit of charm that he managed to keep afloat. A good word to describe Craig would be: antagonist. However, many have said that he had a big heart.
Later in life, Craig was very fortunate to seek help from PADS of Lake County. It was there that he found resources that allowed him to obtain housing, and regain his self-esteem and dignity.
An informal memorial is planned for Craig in Elkhorn on Sunday, Sept. 4, on the family farm. Memorial donations are welcome in his name to PADS of Lake County (http://www.padlakecounty.org; or Pets of the Homeless (http://www.petsofthehomeless.org).
Craig is preceded in death by Ralph Paul and his mother, Marilyn J. Gernhardt. He is survived by a sister, Christy Benton, of McDonough, Georgia; numerous nephews and a niece; and cousins.
The full obituary is at http://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25033700/craig-matthew-gernhardt/zion/illinois/congdon-funeral-home.