Gerdes, Doris Leigh 1930-2014

GERDES, ROBINSON, KUHLFELD, ODIN, SCHMITT, ELL, EHRESMANN, BRISCOE

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 5/5/2014 at 11:02:13

Doris L. (Mrs. Fred) Gerdes, 83, of DeWitt, Iowa, died early Saturday morning, April 19, 2014, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.

The former Doris Leigh Robinson was born September 9, 1930, in Warner, South Dakota, to Clarence and Amelia (Kuhlfeld) Robinson. She was a graduate of Aberdeen High School. On August 20, 1948, Doris was united in marriage to Fred Gerdes at the First Methodist Church in Aberdeen. The couple moved to DeWitt in 1956 where they raised their family. Doris was a clerk for the City of DeWitt for 27 years, retiring in 1994. Her husband preceded her in death on November 26, 2013.

She was a longtime and active member of the United Methodist Church of DeWitt, the DeWitt Junior Women's Club and the Ci-Ed Club. Doris enjoyed working at the Central Community Historical Society in DeWitt, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles and watching her sons and grandsons in all of their sporting activities. Doris had a sweet tooth for anything chocolate and was well known for making "Mumps world's best" chocolate chip cookies.

Surviving are sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Kathleen Gerdes of Escondido, California, Douglas and Dorothy Gerdes of North Liberty, Iowa, Roger and Mary Jeanne Gerdes of DeWitt, and Paul and Marta Gerdes of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Joshua (Laura), Sean, Ryan (Courtney) and Patrick; great-grandchildren, Jack, Odin and Coraline; siblings, Lois (Eugene) Schmitt and Donna Ell Puyallup, Washington, Mary Ellen (Milton) Ehresmann of Aberdeen, Jack (Helene) Robinson of Riverdale, Iowa, and Joyce Briscoe of Wausau, Wisconsin; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Fred, Doris was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, DeWitt. A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, in the Church with the Rev. Dr. Donald Batz officiaing. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Memorials are suggested to the Central Community Education Foundation or the United Methodist Church of DeWitt.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.