In loving memory of

Kim E Gerst Royer
October 25, 1952 - April 13, 2012

Kim E. Gerst Royer, 59, of Burlington, died 7:00 a.m., Friday, April 13, 2012, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 25, 1952 in Ames, Iowa, she was the daughter of Adolph and Beverly (Walker) Gerst.

Kim was an award winning photographer who did free-lance photography for the Burlington Hawkeye. She graduated in 1970 from Burlington High School and 1974 from Southeastern Community College where she was past president of the student senate. She was a gifted flower gardener. Kim's granddaughters were her heart and soul. Her "Girls" meant the world to her. She retired from the Des Moines County Treasurers Office.

Mrs. Royer is survived by her mother, Beverly Gerst of Burlington, son, Micah (Nikki) Peterson of Burlington, two sisters, Dianne (Tom) Smrdel of Peosta, and Laurie (Tom) Rappenecker of Sperry, one brother, Alan (Barb) Gerst of Burlington, special friend, Jim Royer of Burlington and three granddaughters, Alannah, Kinsley and Macy Peterson, all of Burlington

She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Scott Gerst.

Friends may call and family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in Lunning Chapel.
Kim's Celebration of life Service will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in Lunning Chapel. Pastor JudyAnn Morse will officiate.

A memorial has been established for Kim's grand-daughters education

According to her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Tributes

Shawna Purdum wrote on Apr 18, 2012:

"There were so many memories I wanted to share last night, but I just couldn't speak. I will never forget driving to Illinois to get lottery tickets. Mom & Kim made us kids hold our breath the whole way across the bridge for good luck. They were the slowest drivers ever! There were also the many days we spent in the car driving who-knows-where looking for things to take pictures of. And the days we spent playing on the big brown swingset Kim & Steve built, while mom & Kim tanned themselves: covered in baby oil with box fans blowing on them so they didn't get too hot :) Or the time mom & dad went on an anniversary trip and we got to stay with Kim & Steve for a week. They made us our own apartment with mailboxes (which received mail every day) and a construction paper key so we could "lock up" when we were out of the "house". I remember putting a May basket on her door every year, knocking and then running to hide around the corner of the fence. She always acted suprised even though we sounded like a herd of elephants trying to get off the porch. Many years later, my kids hung May baskets on her door. My kids thought I was crazy when I told them we were going to hang a little basket of dandelions & clover on someone's door and then run away... but Kim was thrilled that I remembered the old days. We will all miss her so very much. Love to you all, Shawna (Garrett) Purdum "

alan kemp wrote on Apr 17, 2012:

"Loved taking pictures with Kim and precessing slides. She will be missed."

Becky Kaczinski wrote on Apr 15, 2012:

"My deepest and most sincere condolences. In the time Kim and I spent together, she made me feel like she was my older sister I could turn to. She had an amazing talent with her camera. She was a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother. Your family is in my prayers. God bless all of you. Becky Kaczinski "