Gary Bernard Kuelker, 75, of St. Clair, Missouri finally won his long battle with Alzheimer's and peacefully slipped into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is now healed, made whole, free of pain and suffering, talking up a storm and we know, most of all, rejoicing with Jesus.

Gary was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 24, 1949 to Henry and Betty (Wilcox) Kuelker. He grew up in Brentwood, MO and graduated from Brentwood HS in 1967. He married the love of his life, Barb Morgan Ulrich, on May 12, 2012, in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the town in which they first met.

With a contagious smile, laugh and sparkle in his eye, Gary never met a stranger and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was a kind and gentle soul and his family meant everything to him. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved being outdoors and near the water. He developed a love for Mopar cars and the ability to fix anything as he grew up spending time and working with his dad, brother, and nephew Jim at Henry's Texaco station in Brentwood, Missouri. His mechanical abilities led him to a career in the optical eyeglass industry, eventually retiring from Clarkson Eyecare.

In addition to his wife, Barb Kuelker; loving survivors include daughters: Tabitha Popino of St. Clair and Kathy Kuelker of Kirkwood, MO; step-daughter, Megan Ulrich (John Leonardi) of Crested Butte, CO; grandchildren: Sabrina Popino of Leasburg, MO, Jordan and Brandon Popino of Roundup, MT, and Nora and Milo Leonardi of Crested Butte, CO; brother, William (Sharon) Kuelker; sisters: Diana (Bill) Huckstep, and Barbara (Steve) Hodges; brother-in-law, Michael (Marsha) Morgan and sister-in-law, Sarah (Jim) Davis of Jackson; many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Betty Kuelker; brother, Jimmy Kuelker; nephew and fishing buddy, Billy Kuelker; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Patsy Morgan.

In keeping with Gary's wishes, there will be no visitation or service.   Memorial donations are suggested to Prospect Baptist Church, Lonedell, MO or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.