1944 – Vernon Gene Gerdes – 2017
Vernon Gerdes, the son of George T. and GeSena (Buss) Gerdes, was born on January 9, 1944 in Fulda, MN. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school and the Fulda High School graduating in 1961. Vernon was united in marriage to Carole Miller on July 24, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper, MN. After their marriage they lived on the Gerdes family farm, where he lived his entire life. Vernon passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the South Shore Care Center in Worthington, MN under Hospice care at the age of 73. He was a life long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Fulda and over the years he served as Financial Secretary on Church Council and was an Usher. Vernon enjoyed fox hunting, visiting with friends over coffee, spending time with family and attending activities and events the grandchildren participated in. He also enjoyed farming with his brothers, son, Brian and nephew, Kevin.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Carole Gerdes of Fulda, MN; 3 children, Korinne (Timothy) Golda of Fulda, MN, Vicki (Daniel) Dean of Phoenix, AZ and Brian (Jennifer) Gerdes of Fulda, MN; 4 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 6 step great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harold (Diane) Gerdes of Fulda, MN and Elden (Audry) Gerdes of Worthington, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Irene Miller and brother, Erwin Gerdes.
Funeral Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 13, 2017 with Rev. Karla Kirkeby officiating. The organist is Roxanne Kremer. The pallbearers are Brian Gerdes, Timothy Golda, Daniel Dean, Zachariah Golda, Kevin Gerdes and Merle Gerdes. Honorary pallbearers are Breanna Golda, Grace Gerdes and Gavin Gerdes. Interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery rural Fulda, MN.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 4 to 7 PM at the Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com.
