The world has experienced an immeasurable loss, as Richard (Dick) Otto Gerst (b. May 22, 1932 – d. Oct 19, 2024) passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Richard was born at home on May 22, 1932, to David William and Hattie Frances (Hardin) Gerst, in Oakville, Iowa. He was the third son among 12 additional siblings. On March 02, 1957, he married the love of his life, Diane Lea Carlson, in the Oakville Methodist Church in Oakville, Iowa, and they remained married for the last 67 years. They lived their married lives initially in Oakville, moving to Quincy and then Paris, IL, and finally to Springfield, MO in 1977 where they remained.

Dick became an electrical engineer without finishing a formal degree program. He is an Air Force veteran, having proudly served his country and fulfilling training and active-duty service in Korea, Japan, within the contiguous States, and in Alaska on the DEW Line. Although the details are vague, in 1966 he applied for an electrical engineering job at Motorola in Quincy, IL (while he was working in an electronics repair shop in Burlington, IA). They presented an exam to him, which he completed in record time with a “near perfect score.” The interviewer was stunned and stated no one could possibly have completed the exam so quickly – with a near perfect score. Dick shrugged and said, “Ok, but what do you mean by ‘near perfect’?”. The interviewer showed him one question he made a mistake on. Dick took a look, and then politely explained the answer key was incorrect, and why. The interviewer at first didn’t believe him. Finally, after a team of engineers had an urgent huddle and reviewed it, they agreed: Dick was correct. The answer key was changed, and he was immediately hired.

Dick and Diane moved the family to Paris, IL in 1975 where he worked for Zenith Corporation, and then transferred with Zenith to Springfield, MO as Manufacturing Engineering Department Manager. Thereafter, he became the first Department Manager of the new Technical Product Support Group, serving as the head of a liaison department between Chicago Design Engineering and manufacturing in Springfield. An instrumental problem solver, Dick was highly respected, and known as a leader who would first ask the question, “What if…?” before proposing solutions.

Following his retirement from Zenith, Dick then noticed that there was a need in his son-in-law’s business, JR Kramer Construction, so he offered his services. He worked another twelve years as the Business Manager there.

Dick was known for his devotion to family, zest for life, and his deep love and commitment to the love of his life, Diane. Although he exemplified the standard of a hardworking man, those who knew him knew he was truly extraordinary.

Dick was a man who read books on physics and the genesis of time for pleasure, loved exploring new parts of the country with his family packed into the station wagon, was thrilled to pull around grandkids on the back of his John Deere tractor, and insisted on family computer literacy long before others, with home Sinclair machines well before many had Ataris or Commodores. He was also a father who served as advocate for his children, helping navigate life’s ups and downs, including navigating new relationships- even if it meant having specific rules, which might involve a review and witnessed signing of a printed contract. He was a devoted spouse and partner, and Diane’s greatest champion and love.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Hattie, and his mother and father-in-law Allene and Adrian Carlson. Also preceding him were six siblings; infant sister Judith Ellen, sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Keith-deceased) Street; sisters Janet (Wayne-deceased) Shipman, Carol (Paul-deceased) Hartman; brother Roger (Dorothy-deceased) Gerst, and brother Raymond (Mary) Gerst; and his nieces and nephews John Gerst, Jamie (Gerst) Siegrist, Thomas Gerst and Douglas Gerst.

Dick is survived by his wife Diane Lea (Carlson) Gerst, and their five children and spouses, Nancy (and Larry) Langley of Irmo, SC; Karen (and Jeff) Kramer of Springfield, Jill (and Rick) German of Springfield, Lisa (and Scott) Espy of Marshfield, MO; and Scott (and Jim Porcarelli) Gerst of East Hampton, NY. He is also survived by siblings David (Joyce) Gerst, James (Donna) Gerst, John (Joann) Gerst, Don (Connie) Gerst, Ruthann Schroeder, Kathy (Dave) Brown and MaryLynn Grooms.Dick is also survived by seventeen grandchildren: Larz, Justin and Ian Langley; Megan, Joseph and Steven Kramer; Michelle, Kristi, Ricky, Adam, Ashlie, Allie, Annie and Max German; Katherine (Katie), Natalie, and Aaron Espy.
In addition, he is survived by fourteen great grandchildren: Isabella, Madelyn, Brynlie and Mason Garza (Michelle German), Avery Valdez (Kristi German), Hudson and Hallie Ragsdale (Katie Espy), Felix and Elenore Kramer (Joseph Kramer), Caleb, Elias and Everlee (Aaron Espy), and Teagan and Bodhi Langley (Ian Langley) as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin at 2pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield, MO with Chaplain Jonathan Fann officiating. A visitation will begin at 1pm on Wednesday prior to the service. Live streaming is available for those unable to attend in person. Burial will be in the adjacent Greenlawn Cemetery immediately following. Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be directed to Seasons Hospice at springfieldhospice.com/donate/ or The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.

Friends may leave online condolences at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.