Dr. Raymond H. Gerst, died Aug. 7, 2020.
He was born in St. Paul on Nov. 12, 1931 and raised in Highland Park; the son of Raymond R. and Betty Gerst. His sisters Amilou and Karen (Kake) preceded him in death.
He attended Monroe High School, where he met Karen. Ray enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at bases in Biloxi, Miss.; Tampa, Fla.; and Oxford, England. During that time he married Karen and started a family. They were married almost 69 years.
Ray graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School and was a solo practitioner in St. Anthony Park, where he gained a reputation for being resourceful and generous.
Ray was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and cherished many friendships there. He regularly drove cancer patients to treatment; helped at Habitat for Humanity; helped feeding clients at Loaves & Fishes and packed food at Feed My Starving Children.
He is survived by his wife Karen (nèe Hazel); sons Thom (Cindy Gerst) and Gary (Terry Banovetz-Gerst), daughter Kate (Bob Alich) and son Paul (Cindy Meeske); and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandson Andy Gerst. He is also survived by his half-brother Bill Gerst.
Burial was held at Fort Snelling. Memorials preferred to either: St. Matthew’s Church, 2136 Carter Ave., St. Paul 55108; or Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Voluntary/ Community Resource Service (135), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417. Write “8003-General Patient Fund” on that check, please.
