George Gerl
Rosewood Heights |
Wings of angels surrounded my father, George Arthur Gerl, as he completed the final steps in his journey to join the Lord March 10, 2012.
My father’s seventy-six years were filled with joy and love for everything and everyone around him. Although his illnesses made him appear frail, he possessed immense strength, perseverance and the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. His gentle smile and warm heart could melt the hearts of those around him. He was a blessing to all he met.
For forty-four years, he provided customers of Schwartz Furniture with warmth and a smile as he delivered furniture to multiple generations of customers. Over the years he enjoyed bowling, leading the choir at Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church, officiating as a Madison County Election Judge, serving as a member of Teamsters and Chauffeurs Local 525, serving as a board member of SIMPAC, participating in the First Baptist Church of Bethalto and Bethalto Spirit Choir, performing with the SIUE Choral group under the direction of Dr. Van Camp, and facilitating a weekly Sunday School class of his peers. His love for playing the snare drum as a young man evolved into a lifelong passion for Drum Corp music and performances. In recent years, each day involved prayer, reading the bible and daily Wall Street Journal, and most recently being immersed in his beloved Ipad.
My father leaves behind his beloved Ann Elizabeth of fifty four years of marriage, along with many wonderful friends and family members. All of these special people, too numerous to mention, provided him with love and dignity throughout his life. With my father’s passing, his life is one to be celebrated, and although he will be greatly missed, his boyish winning smile will always remain forever in our hearts. Through his teachings about life, those around him will have wonderful memories. I, Beth Rene’ Gerl (aka Tiger), have been honored and privileged to be called his daughter. I await the day I will be in his loving arms again.
A private memorial service will be conducted by his friend and pastor Charles West for close friends and family on Tuesday March 13th at Pitchford Funeral Home, Wood River, Illinois. A private burial will occur at Sunset Hills Memorial Estates Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to his family. Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home
