Dr. Stanford Neil Gerber

Dr. Stanford Neil Gerber (1930-2022) passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 5, 2022. Stan, as he was known, was the funniest and most charismatic and vibrant person to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. It was instantly apparent that he had a gift of gab and did not hesitate to speak his mind. The connections he made with people were immeasurable, and there was never a stranger as far as Stan was concerned. His laugh was contagious, and his wit was sharp.

Stan enlisted in the Marine Corps as a young man, and he served bravely in the Korean War. He was a proud and dedicated infantry Sergeant whose awards included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. He lived his long life without fear. Semper Fi.

Stan had a brilliant and curious mind. After the war, he earned a Ph.D. and became a tenured college professor with decades of effective service. He was one of the world’s leading Caribbean cultural anthropologists. However, his successes went beyond his professional career and military service. His family and friends will remember his faithful commitment to Catholic Charities and the WW I Museum. His tireless volunteer work also improved the Strawberry Hill Museum, the Nelson Atkins Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago History Museum.

After retirement, Stan split his time between Kansas City, Chicago, and Santa Fe. He was fluent in Spanish and Russian, and he enjoyed every opportunity to use them. He loved barbeque, jazz, and his family.

Stan was preceded in death by his mother Cecelia W. Kahn and his stepfather Fred E. Kahn. He is survived by his beloved wife Linda McShann Gerber. Other survivors include his daughter Leslie Margot Gerber, his sons Brian Neil Gerber McDonald and Scott Douglas Gerber McDonald, his stepdaughter Lisa Jannette Wallace, and his grandchildren Isabel Alessandra McDonald, Tracina J. Wallace, and Lamar Wallace II. He also had 2 great granddaughters. Stan was very proud of his family, and he loved them all.

Stan was a tremendous advocate for rescue animals, adopting many dogs throughout his life. All the dogs were named after the jazz greats. It is said that all dogs go to heaven; he will surely celebrate seeing them there.

Stan will have a lasting impact on his family, his friends, former students, and all who were acquainted with him.

No services will be held. Donations can be sent in honor of Stan Gerber to Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary Santa Fe, New Mexico via www.kindredspiritsnm.org, or to any other rescue animal organization of the donor’s choice.