Lawrence Francis "Larry" Gerdes, 84 of 1924 Timbers Edge Circle, Joliet formerly of Minonk died at 5:10 P.M. Monday, September 4, 2006 at Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 7, 2006 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk. Father Luke Posczworowski will officiate. Private family interment will be in St.Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until time of services at the church. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home. Minonk is handling arrangements.
Lawrence was born May 23, 1922 at Minonk a son of Fred B. and Matilda Feider Gerdes. He married Margaret Dunham on October 12, 1942 in Minonk.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret; a sister, Aline (Wayne) Finnel, Kenosha, WI; one son, David (Peggy) Gerdes, Joliet; three granddaughters, Stephanie (Jerry) Green, Stacey (Brian) Hertzmann, and Lindsay Gerdes all of Joliet; great grandchildren, Nina, Tessa, Grant, Kyan, and step grandson Zach all of Joliet; several nieces nephews, and a host of friends and fishing buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary; and two brothers, Francis and Edwin.
Larry was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minonk and recently a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Joliet.
He served his county during WWII in United States Army.
He was a member of the American Legion, D.A.V., Knights of Columbus, past president of St. Patrick’s Parent Teacher Guild, past adjutant of the American Legion, former member of the board of directors of the Cornbelt Council of Boy Scouts of America, chaired the Minonk Zoning Board and past president of the Holy Name Society.
Larry was a resident of Minonk for 81 years and moved to Joliet in 2003 to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a very religious and kind man who watched over his loving wife for 65 years. His hobbies were fishing and woodworking. He and Margaret made many fine pieces of furniture for family and friends. He spent many hours in the outdoors teaching his son, Dave, to ethically hunt, fish, and enjoy nature.
He was employed by Iowa National Insurance Company as an insurance underwriter retiring in 1989.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Larry’s name may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk or Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to his family at www. ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com