Germaine C. Gatewood
On June 3, 2025, after 102 (almost 103) years of life, Jesus granted Germaine C. Gatewood (Scherer) her wish and came to take her to her new life.
Germaine was born on July 25, 1922 to Theophil and Evelyn Scherer in Morley, Mo and later moved to St. Louis. She was very active throughout her life and never missed any of her childrens school, church or social events. She loved to travel and see the world in her retirement. She was a Gold Star wife and enjoyed her final 26 years at Friendship Village, where she had a wonderful life. Special thanks to all of the Friendship Village staff for making those 26 years pleasant, filled with so many great memories and all of their loving care.
Germaine lived a long life and was married 3 times, she is now reunited with each husband, in which she was very proud of. Her first husband, Nicholas M. Beallias was a WWII gunner, killed in action over Graz, Austria in a bombing raid, October, 1944. Her second husband, Frederic A. Gatewood, WWII Veteran, served in the African, Sicily and Italian campaigns from 1941-1945 earning a silver star, and passed away January 30, 1980. Her third husband, Frederick W. Praechter, WWII C47 pilot, transported soldiers and supplies where needed, including The Hump, passed away June 21, 2009.
Along with her 3 husbands, Germaine is preceded in death by her father, Theophil Scherer, mother, Evelyn Scherer (Donnemueller), her brother, Francis Scherer, her sister, Mercedes Nunnally (Scherer), along with other family and friends.
Germaines only regrets were leaving her children, Frederic J. (Ric) Gatewood (Mary Jean), Janice K. Daprato (Michael), Christopher J. Gatewood (Marjorie), as well as 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Germaine was a loving aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Catholic Mass will be June 21, 2025 and 12:00 PM at St. Rita’s Church. 8240 Washington St. Reception to follow. Online search states that St. Rita is closed, but is open for special occasions.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.forestparkforever.org/donate
So sorry – always so difficult to say GoodBye: but yes – so many memories of a long & Happy and productive life. Well Done!
So sorry – always so difficult to say GoodBye: but yes – so many memories of a long & Happy and productive life. Well Done!
A beautiful obituary. She was one of the coolest woman I know, just a pleasure to be around. I am only sorry I didn’t spend more time with her.
Geri was one of my dearest and closest friends. On our many visits and phone calls, we solved many problems of the world. Although Geri was 20 years older than me, we would go out and she would wear me down. She was always so much fun. I have some deer memories of the good times we had. She was such a beautiful woman both inside and out. I already miss her dearly. Rest in peace my dearest friend.
We were so fortunate to know and love Geri and for us to be part of her life. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and truly cared and loved every person she came in contact with. She lived her life to the fullest. She loved her family and friends, and adored her grandkids and great grandkids. She especially loved sharing stories and memories from past to present. She will be dearly missed! We love you Geri ❤️
The Praechter family
Sanford (Sandy), Dawn, and Alyssa
I met Geri in 1978. We worked together, traveled the world together, and socialized with a large group of friends – church events, dinners, cards, the Muny, concerts in the park, we did it all. The last four years, we both lived at Friendship Village. I was able to visit her often. She was one of a kind. Good bye, dear friend. You will be missed.
Love and prayers to her family.
I have so many wonderful memories, what a beautiful lady!
What a beautiful woman she was. I have many memories of her kindness and grace.
The world is gonna miss her.
Geri was a wonderful lady who added much to the community at Friendship Village. She was so proud of her history and was a delight when she talked about it. She will be missed by many of the staff and residents. God gave her a great long life and she lived it well. Please accept our condolences on behalf of the chaplain’s department. May you know in your grief that “God is near to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18