Joan Gerhardt

Joan A. Gerhardt, 77, of Kirkwood, Mo., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, July 14, 2003, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis County.

She was born Feb. 23, 1926, at Hannibal, Mo., daughter of Joseph R. and Agnes L. Gerhardt.

Gerhardt retired from the advertising department of Famous-Barr in St. Louis, where she worked 29 years. Prior to moving to St. Louis, she wrote a weekly column for the former Southeast Weekly Bulletin.

She was active at Kirkwood United Methodist Church the past five years, and was a former member of Ferguson United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Linnet G. Dean of Chesterfield, Mo., Dawn G. Peterson of Falmouth, Maine; two nieces, Heather Curtis and Holly Peterson-Matzke; two great-nephews, Blynn and Samuel; and two great-nieces, Molly and Emma.

A memorial service was held July 17 in Kirkwood.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cape County Memorial Park.

McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of local arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Kirkwood United Methodist Church, 201 W. Adams, Kirkwood, Mo. 63122.