Gerald Recktenwald

Recktenwald, Gerald Francis, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013 in the arms of his loving family. He was born the second son of Anthony and Ida Recktenwald on June 19, 1931. Together with his brothers Tony and Dave and his sister Ida, he grew up in a kind and loving home. He was a graduate of Flaget High School and a Navy Veteran of the Korean War. He married his beautiful bride JoAnn Farrell on June 6, 1953 and together they provided a kind and loving home for their four children - Kevin (Diana), Tim (Alex), Garry (Lori) and Laurie Hobbs (David) which then grew to include their beloved grandchildren - Stacy Kochersperger (Brian), Brittany Montgomery (Brian), Nicklaus Recktenwald (Kim), Whitney Hobbs, Connor Hobbs, Damian Recktenwald, Devin Recktenwald, Kelsey Recktenwald and Jay Strozdas (Mark). Which grew again to include the great-grandchildren Madeleigh, David and Benjamin Kochersperger, Felicity Montgomery and almost here Noah ! Jerry was a man of great faith and he practiced it every day. He was a parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Church where he worshipped most every Sunday, and where he dedicated many years to making thousands of fish sandwiches, pots of chili and updates and repairs on the physical dwelling of his spiritual home. He was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 391 and taught many young men how to survive in the woods but most importantly in their lives. He was a Master Craftsman who could turn anything into a thing of beauty and he carved, whittled and shaped his way into the hearts of everyone he met. His life's work was the partnership he had with his brother in law and friend, Jim Erhart- Erhart & Recktenwald Contractors. He was a man of few words but the ones he chose were ones of depth, sincerity and humor. While his physical presence will be deeply missed his memory and the life lessons he taught by example and with a gentle and patient hand are eternal. Besides his parents and loving wife JoAnn he was preceded in death by his beautiful granddaughter Courtney Lee Recktenwald as well as countless family and friends. Because he was passionate about the people of Eastern Kentucky (especially the residents of Auxier) and he worked tirelessly for many years helping to improve their lives by improving their living conditions, expressions of sympathy should go to Hand in Hand Ministries. Friends and Family may visit Sunday, July 7th from 12-8pm at J. B. Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 2114 W. Market Street, Louisville, KY 40212. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3511 Rudd Ave. Louisville, KY, 40212 at 10 am Monday, July 8th celebrated by Jerry's lifelong friend Fr. Joe Fowler. He will be laid to rest next to his wife of almost 60 years, Joann, in St. Louis Cemetery

Gerald Recktenwald

June 19, 1931 - July 4, 2013