Craig Gerdes

November 1, 1969 - September 14, 2019

Craig Lynn Gerdes, youngest of three sons of Lloyd and Marlene (Oetjen) Gerdes, was born November 1, 1969 in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended school in Auburn, graduating from Auburn High School in 1987. Craig then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, graduating with an engineering degree. After his schooling, Craig worked at Rail Car manufacturing in Omaha and then Omaha Standard in Council Bluffs, Iowa. From there Craig went to work at Valmont Industries in Omaha, where he was currently working as Senior Manufacturing Engineer. On August 5, 2009 Craig was married to Bobbi Lewis in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their family also included Bobbi’s two children, Tara and Trent. The family made their home in Omaha until moving to Louisville, Nebraska in 2016. When he wasn’t working on the job, Craig enjoyed woodworking and carpentry work. He also loved to spend time on the family farm near Auburn. Craig was on the farm the evening of Saturday, September 14, 2019 when he passed away suddenly. He was 49 years, 10 months, and 13 days old. Craig is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Survivors include his wife Bobbi of Louisville; children Tara and Trent; grandchild Damean; brothers Jerry of Omaha, Terry of Aurora; other relatives and friends. A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Ken Miller, was Thursday, September 19, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Edith Schlange was organist and accompanist for congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Jerry Gerdes, Terry Gerdes, Wayne Grable, David Grable, Roger Grable, and Daniel Grable. Burial was in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.