Jerome Herman “Jerry” Rehagen, 85, of Rich Fountain, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia.
He was born Aug. 14, 1938, to Alexander Henry and Emma Elizabeth (Ruder) Rehagen in Freeburg
After graduating from Fatima High School, Jerry entered active federal service in the U.S. Army June 27, 1956, and served until June 20, 1959, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 4th Class.
He was united in marriage to Lorraine Christine Boehm, July 18, 1964, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain.
Jerry worked on a tugboat, where he towed barges of coal for the Peabody Coal Company on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers for five years. In 1964, he began working as a Union Electrician, and was a member of IBEW Local 257 until his retirement in February of 2001 after 37 years.
He was a member of the Blacksmithing Association of Missouri (BAM), the Paul A. Hasenbeck Memorial American Legion Post 317, Freeburg, and the Knights of Columbus Council 10690. He served as the IBEW Retirees Club president for 11 years.
Jerry was preceded in death by parents, Alex and Emma.
He is survived by wife of almost 60 years, Lorraine, of the home in Rich Fountain; son, Travis and wife Ashley of Rich Fountain; two grandchildren; brother, Francis Rehagen and wife Joan of Silex; sisters, Teresa Falter and husband Leander of Freeburg, Anne Falter and husband Norbert of Westphalia, and Janet Waer and husband Lee of Jefferson City.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Sept. 30, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rich Fountain, with Rev. William D. Debo as the celebrant. Interment, with full military honors, was held in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Rich Fountain.
Memorials suggested for Masses, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or to the Sacred Heart Building Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
