Rev. Walter P. Gerth, age 79, of Shiloh, Ill., born June 28, 1932 in Chicago, Ill., died Sunday, October 16, 2011.

At age 6, Walter's family returned to Germany to live for about 10 years. Returning to Chicago as a young man, he initially studied electrical engineering in college. He soon followed the path into church ministry and graduated from Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri. Rev. Gerth was pastor at Epiphany United Church of Christ in Chicago for five years, O'Fallon United Church of Christ for 29 years (1968 – 1997), and Friedens United Church of Christ in Hecker for nine years until he retired in 2006. O'Fallon United Church of Christ honored him as Pastor Emeritus in 2001. He served on numerous boards and held various positions in the Illinois South Conference United Church of Christ. He recently became active with United Congregations of Metro East. He was a devoted pastor, serving his local church faithfully as well as the greater church community. He held special affection for Eden Seminary and Hoyleton Children's Home. He was well respected within his community and was awarded the Citizen of the Year by O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

He proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was fond of his German heritage and held dear his family in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Eric Gerth and Gertrude Anna Otto.

Surviving are his wife Betty, nee Sturdivant, Gerth, whom he married June 30, 1962 at Kirkwood UCC, Kirkwood, Mo., children Rev. David (Lisa Williams) Gerth of St. Louis, Mo., Mark (Samantha) Gerth of Naperville, Ill., and Mary Kay (Craig) Maskal of O'Fallon, grandchildren Warren, J.T., and Bryce Gerth and Reese Maskal, and sister-in-law Mary Jane Sturdivant of Nashville, Tenn.

Memorials may be made to O'Fallon UCC, Friedens UCC (Hecker), or Hoyleton Children's Home.

All visitation and services are at the church.

Visitation: Friends may call 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ, 206 W. Adams St., O'Fallon.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at O'Fallon United Church of Christ, with Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer and Rev. Gustav Kuether officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.

Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at O'Fallon City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Ill.