Geraldine “Gerry” Schmalz Eyerman
Eyerman, Geraldine Anne (nee Schmalz) died peacefully at home August 9, 2022, fortified with the sacraments of the Church and surrounded by her family. Gerry was 88. Born Oct.15, 1933 in St Louis, MO to Frederick and Cecilia (nee Bussmann) Schmalz, Gerry was a proud graduate of St. Philip Neri Grade School, Incarnate Word High School, and Fontbonne College. During her college years, Gerry met the love of her life, Karl, and devoted her life to raising their six children. They enjoyed being involved with the kids, traveling, and taking vacations together. Camping adventures, Mexico, France, an African safari, and a trip to the Holy Land were among her favorites. Gerry’s life centered around listening, teaching, and giving. As a natural leader with a generous soul, she was immensely involved in many activities at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She made Advent candles and banners for church, taught songs for mass to the school kids, served as a PSR teacher, and began the Parish Picnic at Blackburn Park. She loved being a Cub Scout den mother and she even stepped-up to become the school’s bus driver when the need arose! Just as involved at Nerinx Hall High School, Gerry was President of the Board of Directors, President of the Mother’s Club, and co-chaired the auction. She led a Great Books Program for inner-city children in the 1970’s, was a swim team timer and booster in the summers, served as a local poll worker, and helped Chair the annual Benedictine Monastery fundraising Dinner & Auction in Pevely, MO for many years. Gerry was very involved in the Charismatic Renewal movement in St. Louis, and lead Life in the Spirit seminars and Cornerstone Bible studies. Nothing was more important to Gerry than her Catholic faith, and she lived it every day. She participated in numerous prayer groups but, more importantly, was well-known for how she deeply respected and loved everyone, especially the less fortunate. She and Karl hosted foreign-exchange students and would welcome impoverished migrant farm workers to their house for a warm meal on their journey back home. An avid gardener, she loved all things in nature and teaching her grandchildren the names of birds and flowers while on walks or while camping. In the final months of her life, while living with her daughter and son-in-law, Gerry was outside less but still cherished seeing the wildlife outside where the surprise of an occasional hummingbird and even wild turkey, owl, or deer would make her day. Family was especially important to Gerry and she hosted literally hundreds of family dinners through the years, always the life of the party. She loved hosting her large family gathering at Easter every year and was famous for her turkey tetrazzini and lamb cake. Her favorite time together was family vacation, and she always could be found playing her favorite games such as Phase 10, Spades, Yahtzee, or dice. Gerry was a loving mother to Margie (Mike) Roach, Mary (Bob) Gereaux, Karl Gregory Eyerman, Steve (Gay) Eyerman, Mike (Glad) Eyerman and Julie Schumacher. She was an adored grandmother to Cecilia, Miriam, Matt, Brian (Liz), Kathy, Laura (Cody), Nicki, Louis, Joe, Louis, Rose, Peter, Sophie, Enya, Ahriana, Serenity, Michea, Stephen, Frank (Emily), Keith (Sarah), Claire, and Kurt; and great-grandmother to Maya, Elena, Rose, Gus, Zeke, Stanley, Kennedy, and Chiara. Gerry is survived by her brother, Fred (Linda) Schmalz and brothers-in-law the Honorable Frank Eyerman and Dr. Jim Eyerman. Gerry was preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Dr. Karl Eyerman, sisters Rita, Mildred (Doug), Lorraine (Ebby), and Audrey, and her brother-in-law Dr. Edward Eyerman. Gerry was an aunt, cousin, godmother, friend, mentor and role model. She will be missed by many. Services will be held at Mary Queen of Peace, 676 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO on Saturday August 20, 2022. Visitation is 9-11am in the church, with a memorial Mass at 11am. Memorial contributions can be made to Seven Holy Founders’ St. Vincent de Paul Society, Doctors Without Borders, or the Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis.
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Gerry Eyerman was a wise, strong, wonderful woman. May she enjoy blessed peace. 🙏
It was a joy to know Gerry and to serve with her on the board of Nerinx Hall.
Gerry was a beautiful person and a wonderful friend. She will be missed by so many.
Thank you grandma! You will be missed
Aunt Gerry had a super power of making every person she came across feel special and loved. I’m so grateful for her blessing and lasting impact on my life. Thank you Eyerman family for the amazing celebration of life. Let’s keep in touch 💗
Gerry Eyerman was a major influence on my life. I knew her as a Mary Queen of Peace parishioner, and as a rousing supporter of Nerinx Hall High School, where I was a teacher and administrator. And I taught her three terrific daughters. Gerry bubbled over with enthusiasm and optimism and had a smile genuine enough to draw in a stranger. Gerry taught me to take a chance, to extend myself to others, and to lead. Gerry had strong opinions, but I don’t think I ever heard her complain personally or denigrate others.
Thank you, Gerry, for your witness and your indomitable spirit. Rest in Peace, my dear friend.
The Visitation Sisters in Minneapolis just learned of Gerry’s death today. We thank God for her friendship, her wit and wisdom and generosity to us ! She is enjoying the companionship of Sisters Mary Margaret and Mary Virginia along with her beloved family. May God’s abundant life be yours, dear Gerry !