Toluca- Stephen Frank Gerdes, 64 of 214 CR 2350 E. Rd., Toluca
passed
away suddenly at 6:30 P.M. Monday, November 26, 2012 at his
residence.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November
30,
2012 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk. Father Luke
Poczworowski
will officiate. Private family inurnment will be at a later date
in St.
Patrick's Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday
from
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk
with
recital of the rosary at 7:00 P.M. and one hour before services on
Friday.
Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk is assisting the family
with arrangements.
Steve was born April 4, 1948 at Bloomington a son of Frank and
V.
Bernice Hayse Gerdes. He married Mary F. McNamara on January 13,
1968
at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Minonk. She survives.
Other survivors include; his mother V. Bernice Gerdes, Minonk; his
four
sons, Heath Gerdes, Benson, Jason (Jennifer) Gerdes, Walworth,WI,
Kurt
(Angela) Gerdes, Minonk, Brian (Kristi) Gerdes, Niles,MI, a
daughter;
Laura (Samuel) Pozzie, Toluca, three brothers; Stanley (Debbie)
Gerdes,
Toluca, Phillip Gerdes, Toluca, Bradley (Michelle) Gerdes, Peoria,
one
sister; Carol (Dana) Thompson, Elgin, nine grandsons and
five
granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his father, and an infant son,
Aaron.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk and
the
Illinois Trappers Association.
He was a retired union laborer and had farmed in the Toluca area.
Steve
had a lifelong interest in exhibition poultry and belonged to
numerous
poultry organizations. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, gardening
and
canning. His biggest enjoyment in life was his family, he
enjoyed
spending time with Mary, his children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Easter Seals or
March
of Dimes. Online condolences or memories may be shared with his
family at
ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
To
send flowers
to the family or
plant a tree
in memory of Stephen Gerdes, please
visit our floral store.