Gerald L Vitale

Gerald L. Vitale, age 90, of Linn, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at his residence.

Gerald was born on December 17, 1933, in St. Louis, a son to the late Joseph and Lillian (Powell) Vitale.

Gerald attended school in St Louis.  He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict.

On June 13, 1959, he was united in marriage to Wanda Bess in St. Louis.   Wanda preceded him in death on 

June 5, 2017.

Gerald was employed at Barry Wehmiller Co. of St Louis as the Assembly Supervisor and Senior Quality Control Inspector. He was very proud of the accomplishments he made and the ladder he was able to climb. After 35 years he retired in 1995. His retirement allowed him and Wanda to make Linn their permanent home after 21 years of weekend farming.

Gerald was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Linn.

Gerald enjoyed spending time on his farm. He spoke often of the hard work he and his wife Wanda put in to build their dream.  He enjoyed being on his tractor and was never quite ready to hang up the keys. Watching the cows and hummingbirds from the back deck is where he found his peace. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals whom he spent many years coaching from his recliner.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his granddaughter, Krista and her family including his great grandchildren Dallas and Denver whom he was so proud of.

Gerald is survived by a son, Glennon Vitale and his wife Sherry of Evergreen, CO.; two daughters, Sharrel Grotelueschen and her husband Paul of Round Springs, IL., Karen Redmond and her husband Jim of Farmington; Granddaughter Krista Davis and her husband Justin of Lohman and great grandchildren Dallas and Denver Dudenhoeffer, along with 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and another on the way,  one brother, Joseph Vitale and his wife Nancy; special neighbors, Bob and Brenda Winkelman and family, along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife of 57 years, Gerald was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Vitale, a brother Michael Vitale and a great grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Morton Chapel in Linn with Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Colin Franklin officiating.  Interment with Full Military Honors will be held in Linn Public Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Veterans Affairs.