Gerling, Gordon W. 1922-2013

GERLING, HERZIG, LANGENDORFER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/2/2013 at 15:36:31

Gordon Gerling, 91, of Akron, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 27, 2013, at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City.

Gordon Wesley Gerling was born April 19, 1922, in Le Mars, the son of Aaron John and Ellen Mary (Langendorfer) Gerling. He attended Clark Elementary School and later high school at Le Mars Central. When he was in the 9th grade, his father passed away unexpectedly. Gordon stayed home to take care of the farm.

Gordon was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Occupation Forces while stationed in Japan during World War II. He was honorably discharged.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Herzig on Aug. 31, 1947, at First Baptist Church in Le Mars. Shirley's wedding gown was made from a white silk parachute that Gordon brought back from Japan, something that Gordon was most proud of.

Early on, Gordon and Shirley farmed near Miller, S.D., and later near Rutland, S.D. Later, they moved to Covina, Calif. Gordon worked as the head custodian for the Los Angeles Public School District. After retiring, Gordon and Shirley moved to Akron to enjoy retirement.

Gordon was a charter member of New Horizons United Church of Christ in Akron.

He enjoyed playing with the Akron Care Center Bell Choir and attending men's coffee group at the care center. He was a member of the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 in Akron.

Through the years, Gordon and Shirley enjoyed camping and traveling. Together, they visited 46 of the states in America.

One of Gordon's favorite pastimes was woodworking. He enjoyed making cardinals for family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia.

He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of more 65 years, Shirley of Akron; two special nieces: Suzi (Bill) Raybell, of Woodland, Wash., and Cindy (Gary) Feauto, of Akron; a brother-in-law, Clifford (Beret) Herzig of Satsuma, Fla.; a sister-in-aw: Bonnie Herzig, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy; and three sisters: Nelda Hansen, Marjorie Kober, and Myla Marshall.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at New Horizons United Church of Christ in Akron. Pastor Steve Jewett will officiate. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars with military rites conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-8 p.m. today (Monday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home - Schroeder Chapel in Akron.

Source: LeMars Sentinel, April 29, 2013