SUDBROCK, Gerald W. (1923-2010)

SUDBROCK

Posted By: Don Boucher (email)
Date: 5/14/2013 at 11:32:57

Obituary from The Des Moines Register newspaper, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA on 1-13-2010:

Services for Gerald William Sudbrock, 86, who passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Mercy Hospice, Johnston, after a two-year battle with cancer, will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 15 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial with military rites will follow in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Gerald was born on October 21, 1923, in Des Moines, IA, the son of H.E. and Pearl Marie (Wood) Sudbrock.

G.W., as he was often called, lived all his life in Iowa, in Des Moines, Lucas and around the Indianola area. He enlisted in the United States Army, attended Airplane Mechanic School in Boston, MA. and Aerial Gunner School in Laredo, TX. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as an aerial gunner in the Eighth Army Air Force in WWII, flying on B24 bombers engaging in air to air gunnery. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Good Conduct Medal, an American Theatre Ribbon and a Victory Medal.

After the war, he returned to Iowa, married Bettie Mae Norman on February, 23, 1946, and took up farming. He farmed and worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring after more than thirty years of service on the railroad. G.W. loved farming, but he also enjoyed traveling, watching baseball and football, picnicking and playing games with his children, and watching his grandchildren play sports.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Connie) Sudbrock of Boone, Ginger Allen of Ankeny, Dr. Judy Hayden of Florida, Jeanne (David) Reynolds of Greenfield, Becky (Robert) Bell of Prole, Bill (Sue) Sudbrock of Milo, and Doug (Margie) Sudbrock of Indianola; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

G.W. was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; three brothers, Dutch, Jack and Francis; and son-in-law, Leslie Allen.

Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 14, at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, Iowa, 50131-1651. Online condolences may be made to www.overtonfunerals . com.