Robert Dale Gerling

Robert Dale Gerling (1951-2020) passed away Sunday night Nov. 1, 2020 at his home in Blackwater, MO. A celebration of life will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church Saturday Nov 7, 2020 at 1PM with rosary at 11:30 AM followed by visitation. Burial will follow service at St. Martin’s Cemetery.

Robert was born March 19, 1951 in Boonville, MO, son of John and Bertha Gerling. He married Connie Gerling, daughter of Paul and Dora Schulz, on May 27, 1988. Robert loved his family, especially his seven grandchildren. Every year family gatherings were held that always meant fishing, swimming, BBQ, and board games with Bush Light with the kids after the grandkids went to bed. Holidays were big. Once a farmer, always a farmer. He loved the land and knew who created it. He helped neighbors and neighbors helped him. He collected things: arrowheads, fishing hooks and jigs, and coins from his pocket. He loved 4-point pitch always with women vs. men.

As Robert’s disease progressed, he started giving his billfold cash away to his grandkids and later the coins from his pocket. He always showed his rosary to people he saw. He had a routine: coffee, weather on TV, of course Gunsmoke and other TV westerns, road trips, the garden, sitting under the lean to, rides on the 4-wheeler. And when looking for Robert, he was often with the chickens or walking to the mailbox. He lived his life always wanting to do the right thing.

Robert liked church activities, always helping as needed. Yet the most important church ministry he enjoyed was the youth of the parish. Robert helped Connie for years with vacation bible school, youth groups, and confirmation. Again, as the disease progressed, he and Connie started visiting the sick, nursing homes and shut-ins with Legion of Mary ministries. His humility, kindness, and interest in others inspired many.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack Gerling, his nephew Greg Gerling, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins Kyle and Aaron. He is survived by his wife Connie Gerling and children Ryan (Sarah) Gerling, Michael (Jen) Gerling, Paul (Cassie) Bryant, and Jill (Ryan) Kovacs.

Robert accepted his cross from the very beginning and in the end offered his brain to Mayo Clinic Research Center for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. He joked that the only time he wanted to wear his wedding suit was when he was buried and that happened.

Our family is thankful for the prayers, our relatives and friends, caregivers, Hospice, and those that talked to him and came by the farm showing dignity for his life. We are thankful to Rev. Bill Peckman and Rev Phil Kane for their spiritual support, especially at mass.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to SS Peter and Paul Catholic School, St. Joseph Catholic School, or Food for the Poor. Online condolences may be left at: www.howardfh.com.

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