Henry Gerhardt

Baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection, on Friday, April 19, 2013, our beloved Henry Gerhardt slipped through the bonds of illness that he had patiently fought for several years. He left with us a legacy of devotion to his family, dedication to his clients, deep appreciation of his country, and respect for the natural world. Henry was born in Liebling, Romania, in 1943, the son of Wilhelm Gerhardt and Elisabeth Spirk. After living in Displaced Persons camps in Austria following World War II, the family settled in St. Louis in 1952. From this background, Henry developed a deep love for America and respect for the American Flag, which to him represented the freedom and opportunity his family gained in the U. S. He received his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law. He practiced law in St. Charles, MO, for 40 years specializing in family law. He was passionate about protecting the best interests of children as Guardian ad Litem in domestic cases. Henry loved his profession and was a member of St. Charles Bar Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Missouri Bar Association. His dedication won him high respect from his professional peers as well as his clients. The center of Henry's life was his family. With his wife of 45 years, Carlene, he was devoted to raising daughters Monika (Don Miller) and Eva (Ken Parker), and sons Michael (Julia) and Erich (Laura). In recent years he spent as much time as possible with his grandsons Danny Miller and Finley Gerhardt passing on the legacy of appreciation of the outdoors by teaching them how to fish, boat, and respect wildlife. He looked forward to doing the same with his youngest grandsons, Evan and Colten Parker. Henry had a quiet but strong faith, and spoke recently of his eagerness to be with his parents and father- and mother-in-law, Alphons and Mary Zorn, who predeceased him. He looked forward as well to having lively conversations with Jesus, as he had so enjoyed having with friends and peers in life. In honor of Henry memorials may be made to Kids in the Middle, 2650 South Hanley Road, Suite 150, St. Louis, Missouri 63144