Gerald Richard Vogelsang
1929 – 2023
Gerald Richard “Jerry” Vogelsang of Barnhart, MO passed away on May 9, 2023, at Crystal Oaks Long Term Care. The Lord called him home peacefully in his sleep.
Gerald was born in St Louis, MO, on June 30, 1929. He spent 47 years working for General Metal Products in St Louis, where he was a tool and die maker, and was a member of the District 9 Machinist’s Union. Before serving in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, he was a member of the US Navy Reserve. Gerald was an avid horse-lover, and his family raised POA’s, The Ponies of the Americas, on their long-time property in Barnhart, MO, the Rockin’ V Ranch. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, having 65 years of service and earning many honors, such as the Vigil rank in the Order of the Arrow, the 3-R award for the 3 Rivers District, the Lamb Award for Lutheran Scouters, the AFL-CIO George Meany Award for union scouters, and the Silver Beaver Award. He also served many years on the church council at St Paul Lutheran Church in Otto, MO, as both treasurer and elder.
Gerald and his wife Betty also enjoyed RVing and spent 15 seasons at Trail of Tears State Park as camp hosts. The RV life also allowed them to fulfill a dream to travel to Pasadena, CA to attend the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Gerald is survived by Betty Vogelsang, his loving wife of 70 years; Steve Vogelsang, his son and wife Linda Koester-Vogelsang; Gayle Vogelsang, his daughter; and grandchildren Carri, Ethan, Luke, Kyle, and Sydney. Gerald’s family will be holding a visitation and funeral service in his honor at Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel on May 18th and 19th, 2023. The visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on May 18th and the funeral will be at 10:00 am on May 19th. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, your local animal rescue, St Jude Children’s Hospital or St Labre Indian School.
He was a great leader and teacher, he taught me a lot RIP in peace Mr V
Being a Scoutmaster at Troop 412 for many years, Mr. Vogelsang affected the lives of many young men is a very positive way! My brother and I still remember his early morning shout-outs in his unique voice on numerous camping adventures, “Wake Up Young Troopers!” He was a great role model for all of us…always patient….always challenging us to learn and push forward to meet our goals. That philosophy remained with me, extending into my adult life and career. Thank You kind sir!!
An incomparable gentleman who dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring others on the path to adulthood. He will be sorely missed.