Kay M. Gerber

Kay M. Gerber, 81, of Hooppole, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Silvercrest Garner Senior Living in Davenport, IA. A funeral service of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory—Geneseo Chapel, with Reverend Darryl Erickson officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Hooppole Cemetery, Hooppole, IL. Memorials may be directed to University of Iowa (Cancer Center Research Fund at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center or Palliative Care Fund) or Annawan-Alba Library.

Born December 30, 1943, in Kewanee, IL, Kay was the daughter of Fred Nanninga and Vera (Bennett) Seelye. She graduated from Manlius High School and, on December 7, 1963, married Edwin Gerber. He preceded her in death on June 22, 2022.

Kay dedicated her life to caring for others, including many family members. She worked as a home health aide for Henry County Health Department, bringing comfort and support to countless individuals. Before that, she joyfully embraced the role of stay-at-home mom, cherishing time spent with her children. Her commitment to the church and community extended to serving as a registrar for Rock River Bible Camp, an election judge, and a member of Homewood Evangelical Free Church, the Annawan-Alba Library board, and the Ladies Community Service Club of Annawan.

Kay enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, decorating her home, and creating beautiful crafts. She loved traveling with her husband, and above all, she treasured her time with her children and grandchildren, attending all their activities and being their greatest cheerleader.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Mark (Laura) Gerber, Rhonda (Lance) Arsenault, Audra Gerber, and Jason (Kellie) Gerber; grandchildren, Tyler and Kyle Gerber, Paige (Chembe) Mukungwa, Charlie and Clove Arsenault, and Canaan, Tristan, Avery, and Arianna Gerber; and sister, Betty Dieci.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Nanninga and Vera Seelye; her loving husband, Edwin Gerber; and siblings Joan Wolf, Gene Nanninga, and Roy Seelye.