Gerard “Gerry” was born at home on November 26, 1932 in Belleville, Illinois. He rose to an illustrious career in research chemistry, along with notable service in the military, community, and the Catholic Church.
As an avid Boy Scout, Gerry participated in the inaugural “Abraham Lincoln Council Pilgrimage” in 1946 and earned the highest honors of Eagle Scout in the same year. He graduated with Highest Honors from Cathedral High School in Belleville and was awarded a full scholarship to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. While at St. Mary’s, Gerry was a member of Sigma Beta Chi, the American Chemical Society, and Delta Epsilon Sigma: the National Catholic Honor Society. He served in ROTC all four years, achieving the title of Distinguished Military Graduate, and in 1954, graduated Summa Cum Laude in Chemistry.
Following graduation, Gerry served two years of active duty with the U.S. Army in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. In 1956, Gerry married his hometown sweetheart, Dana Claire Day, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Belleville.
Gerry began his 33-year career at The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) as a Research Chemist in East Saint Louis, Illinois, rising to Senior Research Chemist. He holds a U.S. Patent for a fire-retardant in a carpet-backing foam mixture. The remainder of his career was spent as Chief Chemist at the Alcoa plants in Mobile, Alabama and Point Comfort Operations/Port Lavaca, Texas. After retirement from Alcoa, Gerry worked for the Mobile County Health Environmental Group, and devoted his time to community service. He was a totally selfless family man, and is remembered fondly for his zest for U.S. and world history, volleyball, cards with the grandchildren, Auburn football games, respect for the American Flag, barbecue, and beer.
An active member of the St. Pius X Catholic Parish since 1975, Gerry’s steadfast faith set the tone for his family of five girls. He attended daily Mass, was a stickler for praying “Grace” at every meal, and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gerry was member of the Serra Club and was a founding member of the Men of St. Joseph at St. Pius X. In later years, Gerry and Dana were graciously escorted to Mass as frequently as possible by their good friends, Jack and Mary Frances Sullivan. Gerry was unwavering in love for his wife and five girls, their husbands, and their growing families.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, John Albert and Cecilia Marie Kapps Geppert, his Aunt Marie, as well as his beloved siblings, Eugene Geppert, Lawrence Geppert, Mary Geppert Reime; and his son-in-law, Allyn Ross Skelton.
He is survived by his daughters, Elaine Geppert (Ade) Bodet, Gayle Geppert (Jeff) Zieman, Barbara Geppert (Tom) Coleman, Judi Geppert Skelton, and Sharon Geppert (Jim) Hirsch, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His big family will cherish happy memories of Gerry, and are grateful for the 93 years of his life.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17 at the St. Pius X Sarto Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial will follow the funeral Mass at Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church.
