Gerhard "Gerry" Charles Zekert, 95, passed away February 5, 2022.  Gerry was born in Norfolk, VA to the late John Gerhard and Eleanor Belleville Zekert. Gerry is predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Helen Justus Zekert and daughter-in-law, Karen Zekert.  He retired from Planters after 40 years of service in research and development department for products and processing. Gerry was a graduate of Maury high school in 1944 and from Virginia Tech in 1949 with an engineering degree. Gerry was a football player on the first Virginia Tech team to go to a bowl game, the "Sun Bowl". Gerry was a longstanding member of Suffolk Presbyterian Church. Gerry was a lifelong VT Hokies Club member and the first Life Master of Bridge in Suffolk, VA. He was a member of Suffolk Kiwanis and Elks Lodge #685.

Gerry is survived by his sons, Gerhard C. "Jerry" Zekert, Jr. (Sherman), John Barton "Bart" Zekert; granddaughters, Mary Katherine Littlejohn (Chris), Ashley Elizabeth Eisenbeiser (Nick), step granddaughter, Lauren Pfab (Anthony); great grandchildren, Tommy, Alex, Eleanor, Martha Helen, Esmeralda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive Suffolk, VA 23434 with Rev. Gary Newsome officiating.  Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 - 2 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Suffolk Presbyterian Church, 410 N. Broad St. Suffolk, VA 23434. The family would like to thank Lake Prince Woods staff for all their kindness and caring to Gerry and Helen during their years there. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.