Richard Eugene Gerst

Richard E. “Dick” Gerst, 79, of Waterloo, died on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Wellspring Living of Friendship Village.

He was born on June 28, 1946, in Waterloo, the son of Eugene and Maxine (Ahlhelm) Gerst. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1964 and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1965-1967. He married Nancy Kay Phillips on April 27, 1968, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo; she preceded him in death on April 8, 2022.

When he got out of the Army, Dick worked for McIntee Construction, drove truck for Coca Cola, and was a flagman and pit steward at Tunis Speedway. He was an LTL truck driver for H & W Motor Express for many years, retiring in 2002.

He was a member of Teamsters during his time at H & W. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. Over the years, he grew many vegetables, but tomatoes were his primary focus. He enjoyed canning his tomatoes and sold them to many local restaurants and organizations.

Dick is survived by three sons, Brett Gerst of Rockwell, NC, Brian (Terri) Gerst of Waterloo, and Kevin Gerst; a daughter, Kim (Andy) McElhaney of Evansdale; five grandchildren, Matthew Gerst, Andrew (Kelli Bormann) Gerst, Mitchell (Calli) McElhaney, Dakota (Anna) McElhaney, and Brandon McElhaney; four great-grandchildren, Jameson, Jensen, Hadley, and Karsyn McElhaney; two brothers, Dennis “Uncle Denny” Gerst of Jesup and Dave Gerst of Waterloo; and a sister, Cathy (Dave) Knapp of Kansas City, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; two brothers, Gary L. Gerst, and Michael R. Gerst; two sisters-in-law, Renee Gerst, and Donna Gerst; and a niece, Lori Gerst.

The family would like to acknowledge the amazing care shown to our dad! During his time at Friendship Village you all treated us just like family and we greatly appreciate that!

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Military rites will be conducted by Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard and Waterloo American Legion Post #138. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at Locke at Tower Park. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.