Donald R Gerdes

Donald R. Gerdes, 88, of Fort Dodge passed away Friday, February 25, 2022. A Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 4, 2022 at Holy Trinity Church. A visitation will be 10:00 AM until the start of the service at the church. Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family. Donald is survived by his children Diana Gerdes, Vickie (Craig) Summers, Don Gerdes, Gina (Steve) McConathy, Steve (Tina) Gerdes and Patrick (Wendy) Gerdes all of Fort Dodge; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; siblings Sharon Larson of Renwick and Marsha Niemand of Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his wife Rita, parents Peter and Matilda (Holtapp) Gerdes; infant son and daughter; and brother Merlyn Gerdes. Donald Ray Gerdes was born on June 1, 1933 in Pomeroy. At the age of 12, Donald moved to Fort Dodge with his family. He was raised and educated in Fort Dodge. On June 9, 1951 he was united in marriage to Rita Raymond at Corpus Christi Church. The couple established their home in Fort Dodge. Donald worked for Hormel for 32 years, retiring in 1982. The following 14 years, he was employed as the maintenance supervisor at the Crossroads Mall. He was an usher and member of Holy Trinity Church. Donald loved spending time with his dogs Jonah and Holly and gardening. He also loved spending time with his family. Memorials may be left to family discretion. Visitation Fri, Mar 4, 2022 at 10:00 am Holy Trinity Church 2501 6th Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Funeral Mass Fri, Mar 4, 2022 at 11:00 am Holy Trinity Church 2501 6th Avenue North Fort Dodge, IA 50501