Robert Lee Gerst

Robert Lee Gerst, 91, of Evansville, passed away on December 10, 2024. Bob was born on June 4, 1933, in Evansville to Hazel (Culley) and Elmer Gerst. He attended Mater Dei high school, Notre Dame University, and graduated in 1959 from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Architecture. His passion in life was golf. It started when he was thirteen years old and was instructed by his father who won the Evansville City Tournament in 1942. He played high school golf and college golf at both Notre Dame and Washington University. Some of his golfing accomplishments include winning the Fendrich Open in 1953, the Tri-State Amateur in 1954, and the State Knights of Columbus tourney in 1964. He placed third in the Midwest Amateur at French Lick in 1953, was the runner-up in the Evansville City Tourney in 1955, and went to the quarter finals of the Indiana State Amateur two times. He continued playing golf well into his eighties, “shooting his age” more than 200 times. He met his wife, Marilyn Benchoff, at Washington University and they were married in 1958. They moved back to Evansville briefly, then to Indianapolis in 1960 to start Bob’s architectural career. Bob retired in 1999 from Ed Hafer & Associates architectural firm. He was a past member of the Kennel Club and past president of Oak Meadow Country Club. Bob is survived by his children Eric (Charlotte) Gerst, Rachael Gerst Marret, Paula (Rob) Reilly, Brenda (Mike) Capuano, and the children of his long-time companion Kathy, Tim Ewing and Greg (Laura) Ewing. He is also survived by grandchildren Katie Reilly, Margaret Reilly, Erica Reilly, Sophia Marret, Noah Capuano, Emma Capuano, Jay Ewing and Sara Ewing and great grandchildren, Kamilah Hawks, Koda Williams and Lincoln Ewing. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn, brother Charles, and his loving companion Kathy Ewing. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Pierre Funeral Home, Rev. Lowell Will officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.pierrefuneralhome.com. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM until service time on Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Evansville, 2111 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Robert Lee Gerst

June 4, 1933 - December 10, 2024