On Monday, November 25, 2024, Gerald “Gerry” L. Hoemann went to be with his Lord at the age of 87. Gerry, “Pastor” to many, was born on September 12, 1937, in Canton, Kansas. He was the fifth child and only son of Rev. Albert and Ethel Hoemann. The family moved to Brawley, California, in 1951 where Gerry went to high school. He then completed high school and junior college in Oakland, California. Gerry attained his Bachelor’s degree in social psychology and sociology at Concordia Senior College. He then went to graduate school at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, earning a Master’s Degree in counseling and theology. His internship was in the inner city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is where he developed a real love for working with underprivileged and underserved people, especially youth.

Gerry attained the rank of Major in the U.S. Army, which had been one of his goals. He was a Chaplain in the Army Reserve and National Guard until 1986. He was honored with the St. Martin of Tours award for valor. He also had an opening prayer for Congress in Washington, D.C. in 1979.

You can view his full obituary here.