He was born September 11, 1918 in Germantown to Theodore and Christine (Dust) Gerling; they preceded him in death

Also preceded in death by a sister, Jujena Clark

Brother-in-laws; Alphonse Lakenburges, Raymond Book, Dick Book, Ferd Book, Lawrence Book, Leroy Haake, and Linus Vosholler

Sister-in-laws; Grace Gerling, Martha Book, Bernice Book, Bernadine Haake, and Marcella Vosholler

He married Adele Book on September 28, 1948 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Albers; she survives in Germantown

Also surviving is a son Randy "Moose" (Lynn) Gerling of Germantown and a daughter Shirley Gerling of O’Fallon, MO

3 Grandchildren; Sierra Luebbers, Mackenzie and Nolan Gerling all of Germantown

A brother Leo "Mugs" Gerling of Carlyle and a sister Ceil Lakenburges of Marshall, MO

A brother-in-law Tom (Vickie) Book of Belleville

Sister-in-laws Agnes (Norbert) Altgilbers of Albers, Marie (Andy) Lager of Albers, Eleanor (Leander) Voss of Highland, Alice Book of Albers, and Mary Loepker of Albers

Numerous nieces and nephews

Gabby was a crane operator at Granite City Steel

He was a member of St. Boniface Church in Germantown and Germantown American Legion Post 325, United Steelworkers of America Local 16, and was the founding member of the Germantown Little League

Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 11 AM at St. Boniface Church with Fr. Stephen Humphery officiating. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 21, 2003 from 4 to 9 PM and again on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 from 8 to 10:45 AM at the Moss Funeral Home in Germantown.

Germantown American Legion will hold services at 7:30 PM Tuesday January 21 at the funeral home