Colin J. Gerst Sr., 62, of Danville, Iowa, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Born on Sept. 29, 1962, in Burlington, he was the cherished son of Ernest and E. Marlene Gerst. On March 9, 2019, in Burlington, he married Amanda Harris.
Colin was a 1981 graduate of Mediapolis High School. He was a proud United States Army veteran who served his country. He worked for General Electric for seventeen years, Standard of Beaverdale for ten years and most recently Wiley’s Interiors. Colin found joy in spending time outdoors- whether hunting or camping among friends and family. He was a dedicated sports enthusiast, actively supporting the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco 49ers and Iowa Hawkeyes. Colin was an excellent carpenter. He always had to be working on a project. Another passion Colin recently took on was smoking meats and loved sharing with friends at the New London Country Club camp ground. Most of all Colin loved spending time with his family.
Colin’s loving spirit lives on through his wife Amanda; four children Desiree (Jamie) Delzell of Wayland, Iowa, Colin (Michele) Gerst Jr., Mark (Rachelle) Gerst and Eric Gerst all of Burlington. He was a devoted grandfather to ten grandchildren: Timothy, Lucas, Kaylan, Lance, Max, Mary, Maddie, Kaylie, Owen and Theo, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. Also surviving are seven siblings: Mona Shaw of Burlington, April Schulthies of West Burlington, Jackie Smith of Ridgecrest, California, Jacky (Dan) Wistrom of Sperry, Iowa, Ed (Sandy) Gerst, Sandy Wasson all of Burlington and Sherry (Tony) Malone of Eddyville, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eric Shaw in infancy, brother Mark Shaw and brother in-law Steven Wasson.
Military rites for Colin will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard at Lunning Chapel. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service at 11 a.m. where the family will meet with friends. Burial will be held in Long Creek Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory to help with medical bills and other expenses.