Gerald Austin Von Alst

Gerald was born February 16, 1933 in Beckemeyer, IL to Robert and Alvina (Heldorfer) Von Alst.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Venhaus on May 3, 1955 in Breese, IL. Together, they shared nearly 69 years of marriage. She survives and resides in Belleville, IL.

Also surviving are their four children, Pam (Mike) Burnham, Douglas (Susan) Von Alst, Dan (Pam) Von Alst and Marla (Mike) Dresch; grandchildren, Kyle (Cathy) Burnham, Lindsay (Nick) Clarice, Kaylyn (Brendan) Dobbs, Kaycie (Cole Milam) Dresch, Marlie Dresch, Travis (Michael Gattuso) Von Alst, Austin (Lindsey) Von Alst, Carson (Rylea) Von Alst, Melissa (Kyle) Hayden, Ashley (John) DeNoyelles, Lauren (Dan) Goeddel and Jordan (Sarah Snyder) Von Alst; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Burnham, Bryce Burnham, Ava Hayden, Hudson Hayden, Sutton DeNoyelles, Scottlyn DeNoyelles, Grayson Goeddel and Juliette Von Alst.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alvina Von Alst; brothers, Terry and Henry Von Alst; sister and brother-in-law, Bob and Verna Zobrist; sister, Marge Steinkoenig; Ruth’s parents, Leo and Elizabeth Venhaus; in-laws, Donald and Lou Venhaus, Jerrry Venhaus, Joe Hoelscher and Greg Hilmes.

Gerald grew up and learned the value of hard work on his grandfather’s farm in Breese, IL He was then drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1953-1955. He then began his career as a lather, which sparked his passion in the construction industry. In 1989, along with his wife and children, he owned and operated Von Alst Operating LLC in Swansea, IL. For years, they worked together as a family, building commercial construction projects and made countless memories together. His hard work did not stop once he retired at age 73. He could be found daily at the family business to catch up with each of his children and help where needed. His passion and love for hard work will forever be remembered fondly by his family.

When his children were little, their fond memories of their Dad and childhood include camping and boating. Gerald and Ruth loved traveling, playing cards with friends, golfing and spending time with their beloved family.

Gerald’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the lives of his family and their memories will be cherished forever.

He was a life member of the Moose Lodge in Belleville, IL and the American Legion in Breese, IL. He was also a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.

A visitation for Gerald will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Final interment will be held privately at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville.