Leroy Earl Gerstenecker

Leroy Earl Gerstenecker of Farmington, MO, passed away on December 26, 2023.

He was born July 3rd, 1953, son of the late Dale C. Gerstenecker and Lyla Marie Gerstenecker nee Thurnau.

Leroy married Michelle Kombrink on September 15th, 1978, at St. Albert Catholic Church in Fairview Heights, IL. They were married for 45 wonderful years.

A gardener, hunter, fisherman, and great family man, Leroy’s gift to this world was as a lifelong nurseryman and landscape designer. His talent spanned 54 years. His works are everywhere throughout Missouri and Illinois. Leroy spent numerous hours after a long days at work happily working in the four-acre garden bringing the season’s crops to life.

Leroy is preceded in death by his father Dale C. Gerstenecker, mother Lyla M. Gerstenecker, and father-in-law Ardell H. Kombrink.

Leroy is survived by four children, all of whom he was extremely proud: Gregory Lee (Sarah) Gerstenecker of Kirkwood, MO; Gail Michelle (Brendon) Weidner of Rock Springs, WY; Garret Roy (Michaela) Gerstenecker of Lawrence, KS; and Gina Marie Gerstenecker (fiancé, Zachary Compton) of Eureka, MO.

Eight grandchildren oldest to youngest: Shelby Gerstenecker, Elijah Weidner, Alexandra Weidner, Danielle Allmond-Gerstenecker, Morgan Gerstenecker, Alexa Allmond-Gerstenecker, Roman Gerstenecker, and Elliot Gerstenecker.

Surviving 3 brothers: Edward Charles (Marilyn) Gerstenecker of Vernon, IL; Dale Michael (Susan) Gerstenecker of Marine, IL; Darryl Ray (Barbara) Gerstenecker of Columbia, IL.  Surviving Mother-in-law, Bernice Kombrink of Belleville, IL, Brother-in-law / Sister-in-law: Mark (Emma) Kombrink of St. Charles, MO, and Marsha (Rich) Kurowski of Swansea, IL.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 2nd, from 4 to 8pm at the Pitchford Funeral Home 2555 Vaughn Road, Wood River, IL.

Funeral services: Wednesday, January 3rd, at 11:00am with a mass at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Glen Carbon, IL. Officiating is Reverand Patrick Gibbons.

Interment: Immediately following to Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL.

Celebration of Life: (for close family – if attending contact Gina Gerstenecker at ginagerstenecker@gmail.com ) : Location: The Weingarten, of Belleville, IL

Internet visitors may register online at www.KalmerMemorialServices.com. Kalmer Memorial Services in Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.