GERTH, CLifford Otto

GERTH, OTTO, SWAILES, PRICE, MEYERHOLZ

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 9/9/2003 at 12:41:38

August 7, 2003 Wapello Republican. I am not related and have no further information.
Clifford Gerth

Clifford Otto Gerth, 93, formerly of Wapello, died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at the Morning Sun Care Center, Morning Sun. The son of Lewis and Anna Otto Gerth, he was born April 5, 1910 in Wapello. He married Geraldine “Jerry” Swailes on January 16, 1937, in Moline, Ill. She preceded him in death on October 30, 1946. He later married Doris Price who died May 7, 1984. He later married Esther Meyerholz and she died March 13, 1995.

He graduated from Wapello High School and Chicago Tech School. He had worked at the International Harvester Plant in Moline and also at the Iowa Ordnance Plant in Middletown. He farmed and especially enjoyed raising melons.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wapello, the Masonic Lodge No. 5 A.F.&A.M. in Wapello, the Louisa Lodge No. 19 I.O.O.F. and the Louisa County Farm Bureau.

Clifford had built three homes. He enjoyed reading, music, visiting with friends, and church and club gatherings.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen Thornburg of New London; a daughter-in-law, Karen Gerth of Milledgeville, Ill.; grandchildren, Brian Whitham and Katrina Graf; great-grandchildren, Tyler Whitham, Max Graf and Anna Graf; and a brother, Lewis Gerth of Bettendorf.

He was preceded in death by his three wives, his parents, a son, Leonard, two brothers, Raymond and Fred, and two sisters, Charlotte and Margaret.

Visitation began with Masonic Rites at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Dudgeon McCulley Funeral Home. The family met with friends until 8 p.m.

The funeral service was at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Wapello with the Rev. Harlan W. Winter officiating. Organ music was provided by Sandy Winter. Pallbearers included Danny Yakle, Richard Kerr, Bill Matthews, Bill Small, Bill Gerth and Bruce Gerth.

Burial followed at the Wapello Cemetery with burial rites by the Old Fellows Lodge.

A memorial fund has been established for the benefit of the United Methodist Church in Wapello.