Eugene Richard Gerschefske

Eugene Richard Gerschefske, age 83, passed away September 2, 2008, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, following complications resulting from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born July 24, 1925, in Alma, Missouri, to the late Emil and Edna Gerschefske. Following service in the United States Navy, Mr. Gerschefske attended the University of Missouri, in Columbia where he studied writing and journalism. While a student in Columbia, he met his future wife, Carol Peek, of Midland, Michigan, a graduate in retailing and business from Stephens College in Columbia. Eugene and Carol were married on June 26, 1949. Hoping to utilize his prior experience in the lumber business from his early life in Alma, Missouri, Eugene eventually moved his wife and three young children to the Kansas City area in the late 1950’s. While in Kansas City, he developed his early skill in selling building materials, and was able to sustain a successful career with the Georgia Pacific Corporation. Since the mid-1960’s, Eugene enjoyed taking his family to the Lake of the Ozarks for summer vacations. Once the children had left home and had begun their various pursuits, Eugene and Carol decided to leave Kansas City in the late 1970’s and make the lake area their permanent home. Together, in the early 1980’s, they started two successful businesses in Laurie, Missouri: Twin Oaks Men’s Wear, and later Twin Oaks Shoe Store. As he adjusted to small town life, Eugene found the time to become an active member of Kent Memorial Lutheran Church in Sunrise Beach. Possessing a fine tenor voice, Eugene sang many solos in church and for many years was a prominent member of the church choir. He also served several terms as a church elder. Together with his wife, their continued support and involvement were instrumental throughout the process of completing the Columbarium Memorial Garden Project at the church. Eugene is survived by his son, Kevin Gerschefske and wife Shelley of Springfield, MO; two daughters, Kathy Hankins and husband Bill of Dallas, TX and Kim Lansford and husband Jim of Galena, MO; two grandsons, Brooks Olsen and wife Cara of Portland, OR, and Matt Gerschefske of Springfield, MO; and one great grandson, Liam Olsen of Portland, OR. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Carol, one brother Oswald, and one sister Marilyn. Memorial services for Eugene Richard Gerschefske will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, at the Kent Memorial Lutheran Church in Sunrise Beach, with Pastor Dave Beese officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment will be at the Kent Memorial Lutheran Church Columbarium Memorial Garden. A luncheon will be held at the church following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter, 1500 South Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri 65804. Please note that contributions are made in memory of Eugene Gerschefske so that the Association may notify the family regarding memorial contributors. To send sympathy e-mails to the family visit www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Eugene Richard Gerschefske

September 2, 2008

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Eugene Richard Gerschefske

September 2, 2008

About Us

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