Gary Kuelker

ST. CLAIR — Gary Bernard Kuelker, 75, of St. Clair finally won his long battle with Alzheimer’s and peacefully slipped into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He is now healed, made whole, free of pain and suffering, talking up a storm and, most of all, rejoicing with Jesus.

Gary was born in St. Louis Feb. 24, 1949, to Henry and Betty Wilcox Kuelker. He grew up in Brentwood and graduated from Brentwood High School in 1967. He married the love of his life, Barb Morgan Ulrich, on May 12, 2012, in Ste. Genevieve, the town in which they first met.

With a contagious smile, laugh and sparkle in his eye, Gary never met a stranger and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was a kind and gentle soul, and his family meant everything to him. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved being outdoors and near the water. He developed a love for Mopar cars and the ability to fix anything as he grew up, spending time and working with his dad, brother and nephew, Jim, at Henry’s Texaco station in Brentwood. His mechanical abilities led him to a career in the optical eyeglass industry, eventually retiring from Clarkson Eyecare.

In addition to his wife, Barb Kuelker, loving survivors include daughters, Tabitha Popino of St. Clair and Kathy Kuelker of Kirkwood; stepdaughter, Megan Ulrich (John Leonardi) of Crested Butte, Colorado; grandchildren, Sabrina Popino of Leasburg, Jordan and Brandon Popino of Roundup, Montana, and Nora and Milo Leonardi of Crested Butte; brother, William (Sharon) Kuelker; sisters, Diana (Bill) Huckstep and Barbara (Steve) Hodges; brother-in-law, Michael (Marsha) Morgan; sister-in-law, Sarah (Jim) Davis of Jackson; and many loving nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Betty Kuelker; brother, Jimmy Kuelker; nephew and fishing buddy, Billy Kuelker; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Patsy Morgan.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

Memorial donations are suggested to Prospect Baptist Church in Lonedell or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are in the care of Midlawn Funeral Home in Union.