Gilbert Geerdes age 87 went to be with His Lord on Monday, March 27, 2023. He was born in George, to John and Lucinda Geerdes, attended rural grade school and George High School, graduated from REI Electronics in Omaha, Neb. He was employed at Western Electric (AT&T and Lucent) from 1956 to retirement in 1991. He served in the National Guard in 1958, and was recalled in 1961 to 1962. In 1957, he married Carol Meyn, and they were wed for 65 years. During these years he raised a family, and also took care of his own land, farming and gardening (especially asparagus and sweet corn). He was an active member of First Lutheran Church and an Elder. In retirement, they played guitar (Gil) and dulcimer (Carol) at many events around the area of Mo. Valley and Omaha for several years. They enjoyed traveling, camping, and wintering in Arizona. Gil also loved visiting with family and friends, attending church, music festivals, and bird watching.
Preceded in death by foster son, Troy Hatfield; parents, John and Lucinda Geerdes; three brothers, Billy, David and Tom Geerdes; sister, June Wood; brothers-in-law, Herb Hodgson, Ken Wood, Ken Brownell, Wilbert Hollander, Clarence Hector; sisters-in-law, Christine Geerdes, Eleanor Hector and LaVonne Hollander.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Randal (Wichita, Kan.); son, Steven (Mo. Valley); and daughter, Carla (Omaha, Ne); sisters, Grace Hodgson (Davis, Calif.), Lila Brownell (Eugene, Ore.), Cindy (Larry) Barker (Hohenwald, Tenn.); sister-in-law, Gail Geerdes Richardson (Nevada); beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation and funeral service were Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley. The clergy was Pastor Joseph Hanson. Ben McIntosh was the pianist. The congregational selections were “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, “I’m But a Stranger Here”, “Amazing Grace” and “Softly and Tenderly”. The music slection was “Jesus Hold My Hand” (Sung by Gil, Carol, Carla). The honorary casket bearer was Michael Samsom. The casket bearers were Warren Tiedeman, David Hollander, Darren Hollander, Larry Barker, Brian Hector and Bill Fox. The final resting place is Branson Cemetery in Loveland.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home Missouri Valley. www.hennesseyonline.com
