Thursday, June 23, 2022.
Beloved husband of Kathleen Schober (nee Shaw) for over 66 years; loving father of Jerrie Lape, Lisa (Stan) Hancock and Kelly (Steve) Hancock; adoring grandfather of Jared (Ashley) Hancock, Chase (Michelle) Hancock, Sam (Emily Bergmann) Lape, Paige Lape, Blake Hancock and Tori Hancock; cherished great-grandfather of Cole, Sammy, Eli, Bennett, Liam, Brooks and Everli. Our dearest relative and friend to many.
After serving in the air force during the Korean War, Jerry returned to his hometown of Vicksburg, MS. There he met and married the love of his life, Kathy, following a ten day courtship.
Jerry began his career with the National Park Service utilizing both his history degree and love of nature which made his career choice a natural fit. Over his 31 years with the NPS, Jerry quickly advanced from a Park Ranger to Superintendent and was instrumental in the preservation and growth of many parks over the United States. His career led him and his family to live in seven very recognizable parts of the country. To name a few- Gettysburg National Military Park in PA, Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, Calif. and where he ended his NPS career at the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, MO. During his time with the NPS, Jerry interacted with many influential people that shared the love of history & preservation. Jerry’s personality drew people in, he even became buddies with Clint Eastwood and through his film productions was able to restore parts of Alcatraz to its natural state. Often governmental funds simply were not there to maintain or restore our parks, but Jerry’s knack to draw voluntary private funding for projects was commendable. When Jerry retired from the NPS (for only one day) he then took on the role as the Director of St. Louis County Parks. Jerry continued this role for four years.
His dedication to his career was admirable but his true love was his family. His love for Kathy, his three girls, son-in-law’s, grandchildren and great grandchildren was a bond no one could break. The life he provided, the experiences they have all shared are invaluable. Jerry’s devotion to God was always a part of his day to day life, he shared his love of Jesus to so many and through so many ways. Not a day went by that Jerry was not serving his Lord, through church as a deacon or teaching Sunday School or simply anywhere life took him.
The influence Jerry, a husband, a dad, a Pawpaw or a friend has made on us during his earthly journey is one we will all hold tight in our hearts and use as an example in our daily lives. He gave us a gift!
We love you.
Visitation at Kirkwood Baptist Church (211 N. Woodlawn Ave. 63122) on Friday, July 1 from 10:00 am. until funeral service time at 11:00 am. Interment at St. Lucas UCC Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions to Kirkwood Baptist Church appreciated.
Alice and are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s death. He was a great Christian gentleman and one I claimed as a friend. Our prayers are with Kathy and the family during this time.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Jerry. His life was a good one and he will be missed.
JERRY Was friend, Sunday School teacher and God Parent to my son Benjamin. I had the privilege of knowing him in a close and personal relationship
For over 40 years. His sense of humor..his Christian console..and love of people was contagious. To have known Jerry in multiple roles was one of the greatest blessings of my life. One day I will spend eternity with my friend..fully expect t find telling stories to Jesus. Kathy and family just know we all grieve with you…and rejoice with Jerry in his biggest promotion..
Connell (Connie) Walker, Ph.D. You felt immediately at home when you saw Jerry’s face at church, which was always. He was always smiling, always had his hand extended, ready to meet your smile, your hand to say, “Welcome. Glad to see you.” You could talk to Jerry friend-to-friend from the get-go. He was a princely presence, one of Christ’s own, to be sure. He was a gift. All of my sympathy to Kathleen and to Jerry’s family at this time.
Kathy, I’m so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. I know you had a beautiful life together, but we’re never ready to end such contentment.
Love,
ReDella
So sorry for your loss! Sending thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time!! ❤️
I am saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing. I’m reminded that he offered me his counsel and friendship during a most difficult time in my life.
Jerry had a rare abundance of wisdom, wit and knowledge. God alone knows the number of lives touched by Jerry over the years. May we all take comfort in the realization of a great reunion, someday.
Though I knew him for only a couple of years, he left a lasting impact. Jerry was welcoming, hilarious, encouraging, supportive, caring, and a friend to many. Sincere condolences to all the family. He will be truly missed.
To all of you who loved this beautiful person I send my condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I know as Lisa’s father he must have been wonderful. An apple doesn’t fall far Lisa. Wishing you all love and peace as you celebrate his life.
Love, Karen
God strengthened up his inventory and quality of people when HE called Jerry Schober home.
Jerry was loved by a huge National Park Service family of friends who will all be saddened by his passing. I’m proud to have been his friend and known him. He’ll always have a special place in my heart!
My sincerest and deepest condolences to Kathy, Lisa, and family.
Dear Kathy and family,
Linda and I are so saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. No one person
played as important a role in encouraging and supporting my career,
and no couple was more valuable for us to emulate and admire.
Jerry was a special, one of a kind leader and encourager, and he will be
greatly missed. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With a twinkle in his eyes and a grin on his face, Jerry walked through life with confidence and pride. Julie and I express our sincere condolences on his passing. Our thoughts and prayers will hold the Schober family dear as we accept his passing. Rest in peace old friend.
Kathy, Jerrie, Kelly, and Lisa, all who knew Jerry loved him. I owe him so much. He was a great Superintendent, boss, and friend. I was blessed with many good memories of Jerry and all of you. He loved his family and life and making people laugh.
While I didn’t meet Jerry until he came to the Midwest Region, I thoroughly enjoyed working with him then. There are many good things to be said about his tenure at the Arch but what sticks out in my mind was his keen ability to hire good people, mentor them, and send them onward and upward in the NPS.
We appreciated Jerry leadership and teaching of the Schober Class at Kirkwood Baptist Church.
We are remembering the Schober Family in our praying at this time of Jerry’s going to be with our Lord.
What a beautiful & interesting life your dad led. I always think fondly of the times we had all together during the Concord years. Your dad & mom served along with my mom to help create a Jesus focused youth group. I will be praying for you all. ❤️ Debbie DeGrasso (Stull)
Mr. Schober was my first Superintendent at JEFF. It is hard to define, but with his cheery, welcoming, and outgoing manner, Jerry had a certain “larger than life” vibe to him. More than any other, he fit the bill of what the “big boss” ought to be.
Our deepest condolences to your entire family. Jerry was a legend and did so much for the Arch and for the city of St. Louis. The landscape at the Arch, the enlargement of the park bookstore, the creation of an IMAX-style theater, the parking garage, a potential east-side expansion and many other changes and improvements were either initiated by him or were successful due to his support. He made the park a sort of “test site” for potential improvements in National Parks across the country. More personally, Jerry had to have been one of the very best storytellers of all time. He kept you on tenterhooks as he related each tale in his slow, drawn-out manner until you arrived with him to discover a genuine revelation at the end of the tale. He will be missed by so many of us who knew him.