George Gerner, Jr., received a telegram yesterday announcing the death of his father, George Gerner, in Helena, Montana, where he has made his residence since 1905.

Mr. Gerner was 77 years of age, having been born in Baden, Germany in 1831, and spent the first nineteen years of his life in that country. He came to America in 1850 and resided in Weston, Missouri, until he came to Council Bluffs in 1865. During the Civil War he served in the Missouri state militia, in the warfare waged against the guerilla bands, which infested that state.

Coming to Council Bluffs in 1865, Mr. Gerner entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, C.B. Jacquemin, in the establishment of a jewelry store. Mr. Jacquemin later removed to Helena, Montana, although retaining an interest in the Council Bluffs business, which was left in charge of Mr. Gerner. The latter took an active part in the commercial affairs of the city for many years, but advancing age compelled his retirement in 1903, when his son, George Gerner, Jr., assumed the management of the business.

Mr. Gerner married Miss Clara Jacquemin in Weston, Missouri in 1861 and their union continued for forty-five years until her death in Helena, Montana in 1906. Five children were born to them, Mrs. Angela Zimmer and Kate V. Gerner, both deceased; Mrs. Frank J. Lange, Mrs. Charles Zimmer and George Gerner, Jr.

The body of Mr. Gerner will be brought to this city for burial and will arrive here Monday night. The funeral will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery.