Here are the funeral arrangements for Sir Knight Gerry Hempstead, a member of the IWKnights council and Incarnate Word Parish (courtesy of Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home) . . . .
Gerard "Gerry" F. Hempstead
( February 20, 1944 - April 10, 2021 )
Gerard F. “Gerry” Hempstead, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left this world suddenly on April 10, 2021, at the age of 77. Gerry’s life was purely and profoundly dedicated to his family, faith, friends, and to being of service.
As a young man, Gerry’s love of God and the Catholic Church led him to the seminary. Although he had a change of heart in vocation, his dedication to his faith was ever-present. In 2017, Gerry lost his beloved wife, Kathie Hempstead, to whom he was married for 49 years. Later that year, on Kathie’s birthday, he spotted information for a grief support group - and took it as a sign. No doubt divinely coordinated, it was there, Gerry met and fell in love with his wonderful wife, friend, and fellow adventurer, Sue. With deep respect and understanding for each other’s previous loves and families, Gerry and Sue’s union was seen and celebrated for the beautiful gift they both so richly deserved.
Professionally, Gerry was a successful and respected attorney, known for his integrity, honesty, and efficiency. Outside of work, Gerry volunteered countless hours to many causes he believed in including Sisters of the Most Precious Blood and Our Lady’s Inn. He also took great joy in performing in local theater and as a singer in the River City Pops, as well as, writing stories for the Opinion Shaper section in the Suburban Journal.
There is no doubt that throughout Gerry’s life, one thing came first…family. Present and engaged for every important event, milestone or challenge, he was equally committed to being involved in the special, ordinary activities of life and was always up for a one-on-one meal (or card game) with each of his children and grandchildren.
Gerry’s family, including his wife, Sue, daughters, Helen (Bill) Jardine and Katie (Kent) Killian, and sons, Gerard (Jen) and Christopher (Christina) Hempstead and Terry Newell and siblings, Jim, Ed and Mary Beth Hempstead, Cathy Kaveney, and Joanne LeJeunesse, invite you to celebrate Gerry’s life.
In one last act of giving, Gerry donated his body to Saint Louis University medical school. The visitation and memorial mass will be held at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 on Friday, April 16, 2021. The visitation begins at 9:00 am, and the memorial mass begins at 10:30 am. For those who cannot attend in-person, the link to watch the livestream of the event will be active starting at 10:25 am: https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-mass-gerry-hempstead-972741
One of the milestones Gerry recently celebrated was attending his 50th White House Retreat. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the White House Jesuit Retreat, whitehouseretreat.org located at 7400 Christopher Dr., St. Louis, MO 63129.
Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home www.osfuneralhomes.com
