Gerald F. Zinngrabe

January 24, 1943 - January 12, 2021

Gerald F. Zinngrabe, age 77, of Wildwood, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Born January 24, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, Gerald was the oldest son of Claude and Isabelle Zinngrabe. Surviving are his four sons: Michael Zinngrabe of The Woodlands, TX; Mark Zinngrabe of St. Peters, MO; Stephen (Theresa) Zinngrabe of Wildwood, MO; and Andrew Zinngrabe of Iowa; five grandchildren: Alexander Zinngrabe, Christian Zinngrabe, Abbigail Zinngrabe, Mason Zinngrabe, Claudia Zinngrabe; one brother: Claude (Jean) Zinngrabe Jr of San Francisco, CA; two sisters, Mary Jo (Fred) Young of Oak Forest, IL and Janet (Donald) Graves of Tucson, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents. After graduating from Rose-Hulman Polytechnic Institute in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Gerald began his career with General Electric. He later earned his MBA from St. Louis University in 1975. He continued his career with GE transferring to Bettendorf, IA and later to Des Moines, IA. After leaving GE Gerald moved to Texas where he finished his career working for Regal Beloit. Upon retiring, he returned to the St. Louis area to be closer to family. A former U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant and Vietnam Veteran, Gerald was known for his love of and dedication to family. He helped and encouraged his sons to pursue higher education, and in his retirement, Gerald spent his time enjoying and helping with his grandchildren. An avid fan of automobiles, he also had a great love of camping, canoeing, travel and dining. He traveled the world, going to Hong Kong, Germany, Italy and Hawaii. Gerald has been laid to rest at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held later this summer at the Buchholz Funeral Home in Chesterfield, MO.