Jerry Mcelroy

Jerry Walter McElroy, son of Walter and Esther nee Beckmann McElroy, was born January 14, 1938, in St. Louis, MO.  In March 1938, he was baptized at The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, St. Louis, where he also later confirmed his faith on Palm Sunday, 1952.  He received his elementary education in the St. Louis Public Schools and in 1956 he graduated from Roosevelt High School, after which he received 6 months of training at Ft. Leonard Wood, followed by 6 years of service with the U.S. Army Reserves.

After initially working for Midland Eye Company, he began employment with White Rodgers, a Division of Emerson Electric, where he remained for 44 years, retiring as a Senior Design Engineer at the age of 62 in 2000.  While at White Rodgers, he enrolled in night classes at Washington University to further his education.

On October 27, 1962, at St. John’s Lutheran, Red Bud, IL, he married Lucille M. Wirth with whom he enjoyed nearly 58 years in the nuptial estate.  To this union their son was born, Craig A. (Jacque) McElroy who survives together with their grandchildren Lauren Grace and Rachel Elizabeth McElroy.

Alongside them and his wife Lucy, Jerry is survived by his nieces and nephews together with other relatives and longtime friends.  Jerry was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Rohmann, as well as his sisters-in-law, Elsie Rowold, Pauline Prescher, and Carol Tharp.

As a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry will be remembered as a conscientious and dedicated employee, a quiet, unassuming soul, an approachable friend, and neighbor.  He had a passion for gadgets, vintage cars, anything mechanical, and fixing things (except for plumbing).  He also enjoyed watching baseball, football, hockey, garage sales, and years earlier spending time at a cabin near Meramec State Park, fishing and riding motorcycles in the woods.  In 1979, Jerry and Lucy became communicants at Peace Lutheran Church where their membership has since remained.

Jerry experienced relatively good health until the advances of age began to weaken his condition.  In 2015 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, after which related complications ensued.  Eventually, in early 2018, he and Lucy entered Delmar Gardens South, where they could benefit from additional care.  In May, Jerry was placed on Hospice Care, where after 2 months of care and attention Jerry peacefully went home to his Savior at 6:30 AM on July 18, 2020.  He attained the age of 82 years, 6 months, and 4 days.

Following this service he will be interred at St. Trinity Cemetery.