Raymond Paul Gerst

Raymond Paul Gerst, 93, of West Burlington passed away comfortably on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington surrounded by his family.

 Raymond was born on August 20, 1930, in Oakville the son of David and Hattie (Hardin) Gerst.   He came from a large family of 12 brothers and sisters.  Shortly after high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951 where he served two tours and received a National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two stars and a United Nations Service Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1953.  Raymond worked many years at Champion Spark Plug Company in Burlington, until he took early retirement in the early 80’s.

 Raymond was united in marriage to Mary McClure Booth on August 5, 1976; they have celebrated 48 loving years together with their blended family.  He was loved by many and was the strong patriarch of the family.  He taught many life lessons to those around him yet always remained a kind and loving man.  He loved telling stories and creating those special memories with his kids and grandchildren  which often  included hunting and fishing, four-wheeler rides, tractor rides, gardening, playing cards, making apple cider and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Raymond also loved working in the great outdoors where he planted and cared for every kind of vegetable, apple and other fruit trees in R and M’s Orchard in Mediapolis.  This was his way of life spending time with his family and providing for many.

 Surviving family members include his beloved wife, Mary, his daughters, Sherri Egan, Michele Ross (Kristie), his step daughters, Becky McRee, Vicki Parrott and his stepson, Bob Booth (Ron), his grandchildren, Heather (Cory) Egan, Ryan (Aimee) Egan, Landry (Chris) Dorf, Megan (Connor) Kidd, Jeremy Yaeger, Abby (Brandon) Burrus, Kolton (Kara) Booth and Klayton (Lindsay) Booth, his great grandchildren, Ira Moretz-Egan, Kaylee Martin-Egan, Parker Egan, Hudson Egan, Owen Whitaker, Emma Whitaker, Kay’Lynn Yaeger, Adessa Yaeger, Rhett Booth and Baby Dorf  on the way, his brothers and sisters, Dick, Janet, Carol, Davy, Jimmy, Johnny, Donny, Ruthie, Kathy and Marylynn.

 Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Betty and one brother Roger.

 According to Raymond’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.  A celebration of his life will be held at a late date where family and friends may gather to share special memories and fellowship.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

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