Gilbert Degenhardt

Gilbert Thomas Degenhardt, 89, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Jan. 21, 1921, in Wittenberg, Mo. His family moved to St. Louis when he was 5 years old. After graduation from Roosevelt High School he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

His career subsequently began in the building trades and developed into ownership of a manufacturing business partnered with his brother, Martin, in Perryville, Mo. Throughout his career he held executive and management positions in business and directed various civic, political and religious programs. During his 40 years in Cape Girardeau, he was a real estate broker, coordinator for the SBA SCORE program and circuit counselor for the Small Business Development Center associated with Southeast Missouri State University. He helped promote the charitable efforts of the FISH Food Pantry 15 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ruth Rothe Degenhardt; along with his daughter, Daryl Keppler of Cape Girardeau; and a son, Craig Degenhardt of Atlanta, Ga.

Degenhardt was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to service time Sept. 25 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel.

A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at the church.

Announcement courtesy of McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel for the Ruth Degenhardt Care Fund.