OFallon, Missouri - A lifelong learner, devoted father and

grandfather, and steward of the natural world, leaves behind the legacy of curiosity, kindness, and dad jokes.

Gerald is survived by his children, Crystal Petzel of Campbell, California; Maria Petzel and Jason Turner of Houston, Texas, and their children, Alex and Abbi; and Katrina and Matthew Bussen of St. Peters, Missouri, and their son, Robert. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark and Jane Petzel, Mary Marchant, Anne McLeane, and James Petzel, all of the St. Louis area. He is further survived by Susan Petzel of O'Fallon, with whom he shared many years of marriage and a lasting, amicable bond. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lucille Petzel; brother, Thomas Petzel;

brother-in-law Robert Marchant; and his grandson, Brennen Petzel.

A son of St. Louis, Gerald graduated from Cardinal Glennon College in the 1960s. His professional life

began as a high school science teacher in St. Louis and then in California. While attending a geology course at UC-Berkeley, he met his future wife, Susan. In 1968, newly wed, they moved to Norman, where Gerald pursued graduate studies in Geology at OU. Combining his interest in space and earth sciences, his thesis examined Landsat satellite data, contributing to the understanding of Earth's surface through space-based imagery. After earning his Master's degree, he worked as a petroleum geologist. Following the oil industry downturn, he made a meaningful career change that allowed him to remain close to his daughters in Norman. He found a fulfilling second career in University Housing at OU. He especially enjoyed working at the Sooner Hotel, welcoming visiting academics and artists, and later supporting graduate student housing before retiring in the 2010s.

In his final years, Gerald returned to St. Louis, enjoying time with his siblings, his children, and the light of his life, his grandson Robert.

A man of wide-ranging interests, Gerald was a student of American history, particularly the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a collector of rocks, stamps, and coins. His love of nature was evident in his knowledge of animal and insect species—often sought out by neighborhood children to identify their latest discoveries.

Gerald is remembered for his intellect, broad musical taste, sense of humor, and inspiring curiosity in those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, knowledge he shared, and the family he cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Gerald's memory.