Martha Gerstner

Martha J. (Wyrsch) Gerstner, 66, of Lee’s Summit, MO, peacefully passed away Monday, November 26, 2007 at her home surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2007 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Speaks Suburban Chapel where the rosary will be recited at 7:30. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Martha Wyrsch Gerstner Lung Cancer Research Fund, Attn: Thomas D’Amico, MD, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Clinic, Box DUMC 3496, Durham, NC 27710. Martha was born January 3, 1941 in Springfield, MO to Louis Joseph “Ludy” and Jane Elizabeth (Welsh) Wyrsch. She lived for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Martha was a professional volunteer, touching many lives through hospitals, churches and other organizations. She was proud of her Irish heritage celebrating each St. Patrick’s day. She was known for her positive attitude and despite a long illness and 16 month stay at Duke Medical Center, she never complained and was more concerned about the comfort of her visitors. Martha lived out her final wish of spending Thanksgiving with her family at home. She is survived by her husband, whom she celebrated her 47th wedding anniversary with on Monday, Jim Gerstner, Sr., children Greg Gerstner and wife Tammy, Jim Gerstner, Jr., Jeff Gerstner and wife Jenny, Jane Pedersen and husband Craig, Kyle Gerstner and wife Laurie; grandchildren Matt, Katie, Amber, Amanda, Josh, Emily, Vince, Olivia, Christian, Daniel, Elizabeth, Spencer, Emma, Kathryn and Lola; siblings James Wyrsch and wife Darlene, Anne Rikard and husband Larry, Susan Wyrsch, John Wyrsch, Nick Wyrsch, Mary Hightower and husband Steve. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Leah Maile Gerstner; brother Louis J. Wyrsch, Jr., and sister Peggy Wyrsch.