IL SR1487

Bernard F. "Bernie" Gerl of Joliet died on November 7, 2020, at age 94 after a life of service and community involvement.

Gerl served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a sergeant and athletic instructor, and was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1944 to play professional baseball.

Gerl survived a 1948 bus accident near St. Paul involving a dry ice truck that killed six teammates; he suffered severe burns but later returned to play for the Duluth Dukes in 1952-1953.

After retiring from baseball at age 27, Gerl worked nearly 40 years with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Chicago, retiring as vice president in 1993, while volunteering with the Joliet Park District and Old Timers Baseball Association.

Gerl is survived by his wife of 71 years, three children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous family members and friends.