Gerdes, Gerd Albers 1864 - 1939

GERDES, DIRKS, FUNK, EITING, BASEMAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/12/2023 at 09:52:06

Clayton County Register, 03 May 1939.

Gerd A. Gerdes died at his home in Read township last Wednesday evening, April 26, at 9:30, from cancer, after an illness of about three years. Funeral services were held last Saturday at 1:30 at the late home and at 2:00 p.m. in Zion's church, with burial in the Clayton Center cemetery, the Rev. O. M. Meyer officiating.

Gerd Albers Gerdes was born April 07, 1864, in Horstens, Germany, the son of Albert and Maria (Dirks) Gerdes, so at the time of his death he had reached the age of 75 years and 19 days.

In 1882 he came to this country with his parents, who preceded him in death - the father in 1904 and the mother in 1906. The family first settled in Communia but the deceased also lived in Elkader and Calumet before settling in Read township in 1907. For many years he worked as a well-driller, drilling many wells in this vicinity.

February 14, 1906, he was united in marriage with Emelia Sophia Funk, in Clayton Center. two children were born to this union - Mrs. Emilie Eiting of Garnavillo, and Annes, at home. These daughters, together with the widow, survive, as do two brothers - Jacob Gerdes of Fairmount, Minn., and Gesine Gerdes of Glenwood, Iowa, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Baseman of Elgin, Ill.

Casket-bearers were Herbert Mueller, Chas. Brietsprecher, Wm. Jacobs, John Putzier, John Lahrs and Otto Seifert.