Gerard was born around 935 in Cologne, Germany to the nobles Ingranne and Emma. He was educated in Cologne and known for his piety. It is believed that he entered the priesthood after his mother was struck by lightning killing her. After he was ordained, he became the canon of the Cologne Cathedral.
Toul was independent at this time. Gerard was a successful and respected leader after he was appointed as the Bishop of Toul, and consecrated on March 19, 963. Bruno the Great – on the behalf of Pope John XII – appointed him to the Toul diocese. He established religious schools in the diocese and he invited European scholars, especially Greek scholars, to come teach and learn there. He rebuilt churches, including the Toul Cathedral which he consecrated in 981. Gerard also founded a convent for nuns. Gerard avoided meeting with Emperor Otto II who wanted to have the bishop close to him as an advisor.
He had the relics of both Saint Mansuetus and Saint Aprus, earlier bishops of the diocese, brought and placed in the church. He is said to have come up with the use of goutweed, which used to be called “herb Gerald”, to treat gout in the Middle Ages.
Gerard also fought against government intervention in church matters. He died during the night on April 23, 994.
Pope Leo IX, was a pope who served in Toul, canonized him a saint on October 21, 1050.