Richard Gerdes, 88, of Falls City, NE, passed away April 29, 2023 at Falls City. He was born October 5, 1934 northeast of Falls City to Lloyd and Julie (Egner) Gerdes.
He married Caroline Strecker on May 4, 1957 at Falls City. They divorced in November of 1988.
Richard was drafted into the U. S. Army on June 26, 1957. He served in Germany for 13 months before being honorably discharged on March 25, 1959.
Richard was raised northeast of Falls City and started farming with his father after his schooling. When he returned from service, he came back to the family farm. When married the couple established their home northeast of Falls City and moved into Falls City in 1966. He took employment with Commodore Trailer factory, and after it closed, he was one of the first employees of Flying L Trailers when they started in 1974. He became supervisor of production until they closed. He then became employed at Bison Trailor in 1986 as a supervisor and later retiring from Boss Trailers of Sabetha. After he retired his pastime included hunting, fishing, picking up walnuts, bird watching from his kitchen window and exercising his tractor once in a while. He would also repair broken down windmills, making yard windmills and bird houses. He would also make homemade wine.
He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Falls BPO Elks Lodge 963 and American Legion Post #102.
Richard is survived by is sons, Kevin and his wife Stephanie of Falls City, Michael and his wife Patricia of Weeping Water, NE, daughter, Cathy Hall and her husband Tom of Falls City, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Vernel, sisters, Mary Ann Baker, Helen Junhenie and life partner, Margaret McCurdy.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Father Jim Meysenburg officiating. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
