Gerald (Jerry) Lee Hoevelmann passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022. Gerald is the beloved husband of 62 years to Betty nee McCallister of Summersville, MO; dear father to Sandra (Steven) Judge,
Jeffrey (Julie) Hoevelmann, and Jennifer (Michael) Lages; dear grandfather to Patrick, Greg (Paige), Erin (Jordan), Brendan (Katie), Jonathan, Kaitlyn, and Nikolai; dear brother, cousin, uncle and friend to many.
Jerry Hoevelmann was born on July 27, 1938 at St. Louis Maternity Hospital, and was the son of Edgar Lee Hoevelmann of St. Louis and Nana Ruth Ridenhour from Belle, Missouri. In his childhood years, he
lived in what is currently called The Grove Neighborhood, where he made many lifelong friends and had a life of childhood freedom typical of that time period. He attended Adams Elementary school, and later,
as a teenager, he attended Roosevelt High School and worked at the original Schnucks store on Manchester Avenue. He even worked as a handyman at Mr. Schnuck’s residence.
He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962, where he spent much of his enlistment on the Destroyer USS Henderson (DD785) in the Pacific as a radar man. While in the Navy, he was
introduced to Betty McCallister through his Aunt, Loleda Hoevelmann, who worked with Betty. Loleda always said it was a match made in heaven and so it seems to be, as they were married in 1960 and
remained happily so until his death.
After the Navy, Jerry entered the carpentry trade alongside his father and was a proud member of St. Louis Carpenters’ Union for the remainder of his life, later serving on the Apprenticeship Committee and
on the Carpenter’s Credit Union Board. He subsequently became an estimator and then a project manager for several companies before joining Volk Construction Company, where he retired as
Executive Vice President. He managed many challenging projects, and was particularly proud to have managed the installation of the first MRI magnet in St. Louis, as well as the pedestrian bridge at Barnes
Plaza Drive.
He believed involvement in the community was important and served on many committees including Board of Alderman, Adjustment, and Planning and Zoning Committees for the city of Fenton. He was
also a member of the Engineers’ Club of St. Louis and the Associated General Contractors (A.G.C.). Jerry was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fenton and was proud to have served on their
Building Committee for the construction of their current location. He supported the Lindbergh School District through various fundraising events and bond issues. He also found philanthropy important and
supported a variety of charities.
He was known for his strong work ethic, his methodical approach to all things, his confident and calming demeanor, his trustworthiness, and his strong faith in God. He was always a person to go to for good
advice. He could talk knowledgeably about anything as he had many interests: fishing, travel, tinkering around the garage or his office, reading, perusing antique shops. However, his greatest joy of all was
spending time with his wife, family and friends.
Jerry will be dearly missed as his impact was greater than he could ever know.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, MO, 63123. Visitation will occur from 10 am to noon, with Memorial Service at noon. Graveside
services immediately following at St. Lucas Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Fenton, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.
Betty I am so sorry for your loss. Love to you and your family.
Proud to have known him nearly my whole life and to have served with him on the Board of Adjustment. Prouder to have known him as the loving husband and father of my dear friends. Rest well Jerry.
Jerry was on the apprenticeship board back when I reached journeyman status in the mid-seventies. After working residential for a few years and bouncing around commercial jobs, I ended up at Volk for 22 years. Jerry was a great guy and the most knowledgeable boss I ever had. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
What a lovely tribute to Jerry. I enjoyed reading about his life. Thank you for sharing this. He was kind and friendly when I had the chance to be at events he also attended. I am sorry for your loss Betty, Jennifer, and the rest of your family.
Betty I am so sorry to hear this. Your family is in my prayers. I hope to see you Labor Day. Love you
Sandy Haeffner Schleiss
The shipmates of the USS Henderson send our condolences. Jerry was a shipmate and friend to many of us aboard the Hendy. We were always so glad to see his smile at the reunions when he could attend. We miss him. Fair winds and following seas, Jerry.
Jerry was my half brother. In the last couple of years we connected in a way I will always treasure. You are stardust now Jerry. When I look up in the morning sky I know you are there.
Gail Taylor on December 31,2022 @ 6: 30 am
Personally I did not have the privilege of knowing Jerry Hoevelmann, however Bev Hagen, his loving sister, is my dearest friend. May you endure the loss of your dear brother and find comfort and peace in the Dear Lord. ❤️
Betty, sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family
Betty I am so sorry . I will pray for you and the family.
Jerry was the consummate professional in the construction industry. He was a leader, mentor and a fantastic colleague at Volk Construction for many years. I have nothing but fond memories of Jerry and his family. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Our prayers and condolences to the entire Hoevelmann family on your loss.
So sorry for your loss. I am a friend of Sandy. We worked together at Boatmens Bank in the 80’s my sincere condolences to you and your family
What A Loving Tribute for Jerry ! Mere words can not describe how extremely sorry I am. You all have always been an amazing part of our family, and Jerry will be deeply missed. I did not know about Jerry’s passing until this evening. I pray your wonderful memories of Jerry will warm your hearts during these difficult times.