Barbara Jane Gerdes

Barbara Jane (Hoy) Gerdes, 90, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, died September 24, 2023 in the care of her family, after a lengthy illness. In addition to her parents, Thomas and Myrna Hoy, Kingman AZ, Mrs. Gerdes was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight A. Gerdes, sister Betty (Hoy) Kennedy of Phoenix, AZ, brother Burchard Hoy of Chicago, IL.

Mrs. Gerdes is survived by five children: two sons, Dwight Alan Gerdes, Defiance, MO, Thomas Alva Gerdes, O'Fallon MO; three daughters Jean Marie Rucker, O'Fallon, Bonnie Lee White, Lake St. Louis and Gail Gerdes Wood, Oakville. In addition, Mrs. Gerdes is survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Gerdes was born October 28, 1932 in Waucoma, Iowa, and graduated from high school there in 1948. She then attended the University of Northern Iowa where she graduated with a two-year teaching certificate. After her college graduation, Mrs. Gerdes taught second grade in the Anamosa, Iowa, public schools.

She married Dwight A. Gerdes, Amber, Iowa, June 1, 1953, while he was serving in the U. S. Army. Upon his discharge, the family lived in several Iowa communities before moving to Ballwin, MO in 1969.

The Gerdes family moved to St. Charles County in 1972, where they owned and managed Twin Island Lake Campground until 1999.

Mrs. Gerdes was a long time member and benefactor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dardenne Prairie.

The funeral will be held on Monday, Oct.23 at Immaculate Conception Church in Dardenne Prairie. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a funeral mass. Burial in Our Lady Cemetery will follow.