Gerry Strohmeyer

Gerry Strohmeyer, 80, of Cape Girardeau, entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at his home. Born on June 13, 1945, in St. Louis, Gerry was the son of Frank Henry and Golda Mae (Graves) Strohmeyer. On January 21, 1967, he married the love of his life, Joan Frances Brown, at Our Lady of Loretto Church in St. Louis. Their marriage was deeply rooted in faith, devotion, and a love that continues to live on through their family. Joan preceded him in death on April 11, 2016, and we trust in the joy of their reunion in Christ. Gerry was a graduate of Corpus Christi High School in St. Louis and attended Quincy College. He dedicated more than 40 years of his professional life as a human resources manager with SGL Carbon Corporation, serving in St. Louis, Ozark, Arkansas, and Hickman, Kentucky. He approached his work with integrity, care, and a genuine concern for the people around him. At the center of Gerry’s life was his Catholic faith, which he lived with conviction and joyful generosity. A devoted member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, he served his parish community in many ways, including parish council, many faith sharing groups and accompanying others through times of loss as part of the grief ministry. Gerry was especially passionate about his involvement in Cursillo. Through this movement, he found deep friendship in Christ and spent years inviting others into a more personal and transformative relationship with God. His steady witness and encouragement left a lasting mark on countless lives. Gerry was also a founding contributor to The God Minute podcast, helping to bring prayer into the daily lives of listeners, a quiet but meaningful legacy of faith. Gerry had a special gift for connecting with young people, and he shared that gift generously for decades. At Notre Dame Regional High School, where he was affectionately known as “GerBear,” he met students where they were and walked with them in faith. He served as a beloved substitute teacher, a steady and familiar presence in the halls, and a trusted chaperone on mission trips. Whether in the classroom, on the road, or simply in conversation, Gerry had a way of making young people feel seen, valued, and at home. His presence was constant, joyful, and deeply impactful. Beyond his ministry, Gerry had a deep love for the arts and community life. He was a lifelong lover of live theatre. Starting in high school, theatre was a part of his life through acting, directing and enjoying as a member of the audience throughout his life. He directed parish youth ministry plays in the summers for 10 years. He was also the founding director of Foothills Little Theatre in Ozark, Arkansas, where his creativity and leadership brought people together. Gerry is survived by his seven children: Barbara “Bobbi” Strohmeyer and Sarah Strohmeyer of Cape Girardeau; Martin Strohmeyer and Matthew (Jill) Strohmeyer of St. Louis; Daniel (Kayce) Strohmeyer of Washington, Missouri; Amanda Strohmeyer of Cape Girardeau; and Andrew Strohmeyer of St. Louis. He was a proud and loving grandfather to twelve grandchildren, his favorites: Lucas, Audrey, Sylvia, and Oliver Strohmeyer; James (Terra) Crawford; Anthony, Vincent, Elijah, Gunther, and Samuel Strohmeyer; Graysen Manwarren; and Lydia Strohmeyer. As the last surviving member and patriarch of the extended Strohmeyer family, he was deeply connected to his many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joan; and his siblings, Frank Strohmeyer, Lorraine Saputo, Lawrence Strohmeyer, Doris Graham, Patricia Allen, James, Robert, and Richard Strohmeyer. Gerry lived a life of faith in action, showing up, walking with others, and boldly pointing people toward Christ. His life was a constant invitation to love deeply, serve generously, and trust God always. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Rev. Ron Hoye, CM officiating. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Gerry and Joan Strohmeyer Memorial Scholarship at Notre Dame Regional High School. Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Gerry Strohmeyer

June 13, 1945 - April 25, 2026