Born on April 23, 1931, in New Orleans, Gerard lived a long and meaningful life, and truly enjoyed the ride. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge and attended St. Stanislaus boarding school, Baton Rouge High School and LSU. From 1950-1953, he served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War on the Coast Guard cutter Tampa. He was the proud owner of Gerard Furniture Company, established in 1966, until his retirement in 2018. He loved serving the Baton Rouge community and making countless friends over those 52 years. He looked forward to his twice a year trips to the furniture market in High Point, North Carolina, spending time in the Smoky Mountains, and at his camp on the Tickfaw River. He loved the pursuit of fine Louisiana artwork, antique furniture, and especially Louisiana decoys. He was full of energy and always on the go seeking his next adventure or a new project. He enjoyed great meals with his family and friends, never met a stranger and always had a story to tell.
Throughout his life, Gerard was deeply involved in his community. He was active in many organizations including the Baton Rouge Jaycees, Baton Rouge Boat Club, Red Stick Kiwanis Club, Baton Rouge Furniture Dealers Association, Baton Rouge High School Alumni Association, St. James Masonic Lodge, Masonic Lodge of Nine Muses, the Acacia Shriners, Baton Rouge Navy Club-Ship 661, Manresa House of Retreats Group 34 for 54 years, American Legion Nicholson Post #38, Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild, LSU Baseball Coaches Committee, Tara Civic Association and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Gerard was the proud recipient of the 2019 Golden Deeds Award, and he was instrumental in bringing the “Lone Sailor” statue to downtown Baton Rouge.
“Gigi” is survived by his children, Marsha Morgan (Reece), Andrew Ruth, Larry Ruth (Karen), and Amy Hartwig (Ty); his grandchildren Ashley Morgan Bergeson (Ben), Laurel Morgan Malone (Jeff), Christopher Ruth (Kirsten), Brandon Ruth, Caroline Ruth, Madison Hartwig Juckniewitz (Mason), Andrew Hartwig, and Greg Hartwig; and his great-grandchildren Bailey Bergeson, Blakely Bergeson, Colton Malone, Reeves Malone, Brooks Juckniewitz, and Brynn Juckniewitz.
Gerard was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of over 60 years, Selma Clair Rodriguez Ruth; by his father Adam Nicholas Ruth, his mother Alice Mae Meraux, and his sister, Mae Alice Ruth Hodge.
Visitation will take place at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00-7:30 pm. Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave. on Friday, April 10, from 9:00-10:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am conducted by Rev. Cleo Milano. Burial will follow at a later date at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Ruth, Brandon Ruth, Andrew Hartwig, Greg Hartwig, Ben Bergeson, and Jeff Malone. Honorary pallbearers are Cliff Palmer, Eric Lane, Frank Rieger, III, William Rieger, John Liter, Rodney Dykes, Carey Beam, Cy Beam, Billy McDonald, Frank Muscarello and Tom Olinde.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerard’s memory to Manresa House of Retreats, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, or Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport.
