Gerald "Jerry" Haertling

Gerald “Jerry” R. Haertling, 85, of St. Louis, formerly of Bonne Terre, peacefully passed away on April 26, 2026, at Mercy South in St. Louis. Born on December 18, 1940, in Wittenberg, Missouri, he was the son of the late Wilbert and Laura (Weinhold) Haertling. Jerry was a devoted family man, whose greatest joys stemmed from time spent with loved ones, including his cherished grandchildren. 

A proud member of the International Chemical Workers Union Council of St. Louis, he dedicated many years of his life as a supervisor for Columbian Chemicals before enjoying a well-deserved retirement. 

A lover of the outdoors, Jerry found solace in nature and could often be found hiking, enjoying the beauty of his surroundings. He had a special affinity for dogs and loved spending his days by the pool or at the beach. In quiet moments at home, he delighted in binge-watching “Grey’s Anatomy” on Netflix. Jerry's loyalty to his hometown teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis “Big Red” Cardinals, was unwavering, reflecting his passion for sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 48 years, Deanna (Cooper) Haertling; one brother, Donald Haertling and fury companion, Kleo.

Jerry is survived by his adoring children, Victor Haertling and wife Kari, Pamela McCree and husband Doug, Terri Lewis and husband Jeff, Kerrie Boyer and husband Dan; grandchildren, Kristen, Felix, Tiffany, Josh, Amie, Dillon, Michelle, Chris R., Chris L., Tyler, Caroline, Austin G., Austin and Eli; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Haertling; several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre, Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the service time of 12:00 PM. A friend of the family’s will be officiating, Rachel Jue. Entombment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials may be directed in honor of Jerry’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.