Published on December 20, 2025 4:55 am
Last Updated on December 20, 2025 4:55 am
Gerald Taphorn, 57, of Altamont, died at 3:53 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2025 at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2025 at St. Clare Catholic Church, Altamont with Rev. Ron Lorilla officiating. Burial will follow at St. Clare Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Gerald Richard Taphorn was born on Tuesday, August 6, 1968 in Effingham to Robert R. and Bettie Mae (Brand) Taphorn. He married Mariana J. Poisot on May 11, 2023. He was a member of St. Clare Church, Knights of Columbus and was a farmer.
Gerald was a lifelong farmer. Along with his brother Warren, they spent many years at the family farm with their dad, Grandpa Henry, and Uncles. He was a member of FFA in high school and chose St. Isidore the Farmer as his confirmation name. He raised cattle, sheep, hogs and goats. He had a special place in his heart for all animals and especially dogs gravitated toward him. He loved spending time on the farm with his buddy, Charger, his Border Collie who helped him herd the cattle and sheep. Charger passed in March 2024 with the same disease Gerald had.
He had a strong Catholic faith and enjoyed reading books about the Catholic faith and saints. As a child he had the honor of portraying both Joseph and one of the Wise Men in the church Christmas children’s program.
He loved hunting and fishing with his dad.. He was a hunter of rabbits, squirrels, deer, ducks and turkeys. Also had done trapping. Most of his hunting he done with his brother Warren and the Black Labs Kickapoo, Shawnee and Harley.
He and his wife had gotten to travel to Paris and Italy August 2024. His highlight was visiting the Vatican.
Gerald was the kind of person who if you called him that you were in trouble he would do his best to help you whether it was with automotive trouble or fixing household problems.
Along with his two siblings the three of them as kids was the Three Musketeers-“All for one, and one for all.”
Gerald was very proud of his German-Irish heritage. “He may be forever in Your dwelling place and be at rest in peace until we meet him there.” His Family and Friends will forever miss him and he leaves a hole in their hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Mariana, Beecher City; brother, Warren Taphorn, Beecher City and sister, Mindy Taphorn, Altamont.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.