Robert K. Gerdes

GERDES, MUNSON, FROMM, HESLER

Posted By: Stacy Bliesener (email)
Date: 10/24/2014 at 22:53:41

Robert K. Gerdes, 85, of Danville, died at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday May 21, 2003 at New London Nursing Center.

Born February 7, 1918, in Burlington, he was the son of August Frederick and Jennie C. Munson Gerdes. He married Berniece Evelyn Fromm June 5, 1943 in Burlington.

Mr. Gerdes served in the Army from June 1942 until December 1945, serving in the European Theater, 79th Division of the 3rd Army as a staff sergeant. He received a purple heart and was awarded a bronze star for his efforts during the Battle of the Bulge.

He was co-owner of the Danville Lumber and True Value Hardware for 50 years with his brother Roy Gerdes and later was joined by his son, Tom.

He enjoyed woodworking and restoring antique cars and was a member of the Southeast Iowa Antique Car Club and the First Baptist Church in Danville. He served on the Danville City Council for three terms and as building inspector in Danville for 14 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of Burlington Medical Center.

Survivors include his wife, Berniece, one daughter, Janet (Bob) Hesler of Danville; three sons, Jim (Judy) Gerdes of Ft. Madison, Bob (Vicki) Gerdes of Burlington and Tom (Jeanie) Gerdes of Danville; one brother, Roy (Ruby) Gerdes of Danville; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Helen, one brother, Bill and an infant daughter, Karen.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and from noon to 9:00 p.m. Monday at Prugh's Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9:00 p.m. Monday.

A memorial service for Mr. Gerdes will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Danville, with the Rev. Lester Smith officiating. Burial will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday in Aspen Grove Cemetery, prior to the service.