Geraldine “Jerry” Rohr, age 97, passed peacefully from this world on March 12, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Milford “Buddy” Rohr, and her son, Victor Nichols III.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Michael) Heuvelman, and her son, Steven; granddaughters Kelsey (Corbin) McCarty, Katlyn (Jack) Rushen, and Clare Rohr; grandsons Brian (Windy) Nichols, Sam Rohr, and Ben Rohr; great-granddaughters Margaret McCarty and Jane McCarty; and great-grandsons Grant Nichols, Mason Nichols, and Luke Ethridge. She was also a beloved aunt and great-aunt to many.
Born in Chicago, Jerry was raised in St. Louis surrounded by a large extended family. Family remained the center of her life, and she loved hosting gatherings that brought everyone together. Energetic, motivated, and full of spirit, Jerry had a vibrant presence; you always knew when she was in the room.
Being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She babysat while parents worked, drove her grandchildren to their activities, and cheered them on at every opportunity. Known as “Grandma Jerry,” she was just as beloved by her grandchildren’s friends as by her own family.
In her youth, Jerry loved to dance and even performed at various establishments. She and Buddy shared a wide circle of friends and enjoyed many evenings filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Jerry also treasured shopping trips with her girlfriends, often followed by a happy hour together.
Jerry spent many years working for Sears and Roebuck, first at the Crestwood store and later at South Grand. Starting as a cosmetics salesgirl, she worked her way up to Division Manager and Buyer and helped open new stores in Chesterfield and Mid Rivers.
After Buddy retired from the St. Louis Police Department in 1983, they moved to Millstadt, Illinois, where Jerry lived for the remainder of her life. Even into her nineties, she maintained her enthusiasm for life. At age 93 she joined a knitting group in Millstadt, where she learned to knit caps and went on to make countless hats for the homeless as well as for her granddaughters.
Jerry will be remembered for her warmth, lively spirit, and the way her bright smile and cheerful conversation could light up a room. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123, on Thursday, March 19, 2:00 – 7:00 PM with funeral service at Kutis Affton Chapel on Friday at 10:00 AM. Interment J.B. National Cemetery.