Bert H. Gerdes

Funeral services for Bert H. Gerdes is Saturday, November 1, 2003, 10:30 am, at Wheatland Presbyterian Church, rural Breda, with Reverend Donald Gibson officiating. Marilyn Hundling will be the organist, and Arlan Willems and Shelley Hundling will sing a duet. Pallbearers include: Darrell Brinker, Jim Deuel, Don Deuel, David Hundling, Rick Steinkamp, and Dennis Spencer. Honorary pallbearers include: Dale Gerdes, Richard Graber, Elroy Huisenga, Darwyn Rodman, Kenneth Brotherson, and Harlan Flink. Burial will be at the Wheatland Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, October 31, 2003, 4:00-8:00 pm, at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home in Wall Lake.

Bert H. Gerdes, age 92, of Wall Lake, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake.

Bert was born on August 21, 1911, at Yetter, Iowa, the son of Henry and Martha (Schoneboon) Gerdes. He was baptized and confirmed at the Wheatland Presbyterian Church and attended country school through the 8th grade at Viola #9. Bert joined the US Army in August of 1942, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received a European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star, 3 Overseas Service Bars, and 1 Service Stripe Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945.

Bert was united in marriage to Mary Ann Deuel on March 14, 1943, at Lake City, Iowa. They were the proud parents of two children: Robert and Joyce. Bert was a farmer in Wall Lake his entire life, retiring in the spring of 1981, moving to Lake View in 1999. He enjoyed working on the farm with his wife Mary and son Robert, yard work, playing horseshoes with family and friends, and playing cards.

Bert was an active member of the Wheatland Presbyterian Church serving in many offices including: Church Elder, Deacon, and Usher. He was also a member of the Breda Iowa Men’s Club of Wheatland and served on the board at Twilight Acres Nursing Home.

Survivors include his children: Robert (Susan) Gerdes of Blair, NE, and Joyce (James) Beukelman of Powell, WY; three grandchildren: Andrew Gerdes of Lincoln, NE, Michael Beukelman of Boise, ID, and Lisa (Lance) Chavez of Boise, ID; two sisters: Ida Brinker of Lake City, IA, and Hilda “Kurl” Krohn of McKinney, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary Ann; brothers: Paul, Fike, Gerd, and Edward Gerdes; and his sister Martha Jondle.