"Bev and family, We send our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of Dick. He was truely a wonderful man, and we have many happy memories of our first years vacationing in Alexandria and enjoying time with Dick and Bev and the gang at Elmwood Resort. Dick was the best "fix it" man the resort ever had, with his side kick Brad. I remember when Dick and Gene went out in the fishing boat in pretty rough water to rescue a woman who's sailboat had turned over. Each time they re-told the story, the waves got higher and the wind was stronger! We will hold his memory close in our hearts, and keep your family in our prayers. "
In loving memory of
Dick Gerdis
March 14, 2009
Dick James Gerdis was born October 28, 1932, at rural Bancroft to Elmer and Elizabeth (Boeckholt) Gerdis. Dick graduated from Titonka High School then served in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned to the Titonka area and met and married Beverly Rippentrop on October 30, 1954, in Lakota. Dick worked construction for 18 years in the Titonka area and served as Postmaster for Titonka for 25 years, retiring in 1992.
Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping as well as reading and had a love for writing. Dick and Bev spent the last several summers camping in the Alexandria, Minnesota area. Dick was a volunteer Fireman in Titonka for 17 years, was past president of the Titonka Chamber of Commerce and a member of the United Methodist Church in Titonka. He was also a member of the Breen Post #465 American Legion and William F. Kennedy Post #4071, V.F.W.
Dick died at his home on Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2009, at the age of 76.
Survivors include his wife Beverly, his daughter Penny Weir and husband Doug of Estherville and son Robert Gerdis and wife Darci of Titonka as well as two grandchildren Micheal and Cortney Weir and (grandson) Jake the dog. Also surviving are brothers, Donald and wife Jean Gerdis of Algona, and Roger and wife Linda Gerdis of Titonka, sister Gertrude and husband Cecil Heifner of Story City, Iowa, in-laws, Arlene Gerdis, Paul Gerdes and wife Betty, Pete Hugo and wife Nancy, Delores Yegge, Phyllis Hanevik and John Hanevik. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Geri Gerdes, and Norma Hugo and brother Arnold Gerdis, step-grandson Brent Weir and brother-in-law, Ronny Yegge.
The Gerdis family would like memorials to be given to North Iowa Hospice in Forest City, Iowa.
Tributes
"Bev and family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dick was a great person and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. He's battled for a long time and is now at peace. Now he can watch those "damn" Twins from Heaven. Now, there's truly an angel in their outfield! "