Joleen Kay Gerst Obituary (1948

Joleen Kay Gerst, age 73, went to be with her Savior at 4:12 AM on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from her residence in Bloomington, IL, with her husband at her side. Joleen was born July 18, 1948, in Burlington, Iowa the daughter Paul and Ruth Stratton Luttenegger. She married Wayne Gerst on June 28, 1970, and they were blessed with 51 wonderful years together. She graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington, IA and went to work as a registered nurse at the office of Drs. Gundrum and Breckner. As her family grew, she became a full-time homemaker and farm wife. She loved living on the farm, raising her family and becoming a grandma. Joleen was first and foremost a joyful woman of God. Her passions included studying God's Word, serving others through various ministries, sharing God's love through warm hospitality, and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed singing in the choir, gardening, traveling, baking and was a very talented organist. Survivors include their 4 daughters, Heidi (Thane) Hanson, Mahomet, IL, Heather (Eric) Farinas, Bloomington, IL, Carrie (Kevin) Moore, Peoria, IL, Christin (Andy) White, Bloomington, IL, 13 grandchildren, Daniel, Chloe, Elizabeth and Isaac Hanson, Ellie, Olivia and Jonathan Farinas, Tyler, Tessa, and Henry Moore, Drew, Dylan, and Jordan White, and 3 siblings, Rebecca (Robert) Bang of Durham, Missouri, Jonathan (Linda) Luttenegger, Burlington, IA, and Laura (Jeff) Underwood, Burlington, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be Thursday, April 28, from 4-8 PM and Friday at 9:30 AM. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:30 AM and lunch to follow, all at East White Oak Bible Church, 11922 E. 2000 North Road, Carlock, Il. Her celebration will continue at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington, with a graveside service at 1:30. Memorial contributions can be made to the Midwest Food Bank of Illinois-Bloomington or Salem 4 Youth. We welcome you to share memories of Joleen along with condolences at www.calvertmemorial.com