Larry G. Gerdes, 67, of 715 W. 8th St., Minonk,
formerly of Benson, died at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 28, 2005) at
his residence.

He was born July 4, 1938, in Bloomington, to Clarence and Arleatha Johnson Gerdes.

Surviving are three sons, Steven (Diana) Gerdes, Michael (Sheila)
Gerdes and Thomas (Sue) Gerdes all of Minonk; seven grandchildren; five
stepgrandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren; longtime
companion, Sharon Maloney, Minonk, and her children, Lou Wanna (David)
Frickey, Streator; Debra Short, Chicago; Linda (David) McKinnly,
Streator; and Donna (Larry) Finney, Streator; eight grandchildren; and
one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an aunt and uncle, Bela and Clara Schramm. Clara was a twin to Larry's dad.

He was a truck driver and enjoyed farming and spending time with his
father until his death. He pursued self-employment in many different
endeavors.

He was a 1956 graduate of Minonk High School and was a volunteer fireman for 20 years on the Minonk Fire Department.

A funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Paul's United Church
of Christ in Minonk, with the Rev. Pam Gansch-Boythe officiating.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Ruestman-Harris
Funeral Home in Minonk, and one hour before the services at the church.
Burial will be at Minonk Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Minonk Volunteer Fire Department.