Daniel Nicholas Gerdes

August 4, 1989 - March 7, 2022

Daniel Nicholas Gerdes was born August 4, 1989, at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. He was the oldest of two sons of Deborah Sue Gerdes. Dan was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church near Auburn, Nebraska. He attended Kindergarten at Johnson-Brock Public School in Johnson, completed grades 1,2 and 3 elsewhere, and returned to J-B in 4th grade through graduation from high school. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Southeast Community College, and was currently attending Metropolitan Community College. Because of being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis Dan received a lung transplant in 2016. Prior to the transplant, Dan had a large garden and sold his produce at farmer’s markets. He also was a talented duck farmer whose eggs and ducks were in high demand. After his transplant, Dan developed an interest in racing midget cars. While doing this he became very involved with Driven To Save Lives, an organ donation awareness program. In more recent times Dan worked at the Johnson Grocery in Johnson. He loved playing guitar and was teaching guitar lessons as well. On Monday, March 7, 2022, Dan passed away unexpectedly at his rural home between Auburn and Johnson. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Walter and Esther Knippelmeir and Dick and Edna Gerdes. Daniel will be forever missed by many, including his mother Deb Wilson of Bellevue; brother Tomy Wilson of Bellevue (step-brothers Richard Hakes, Micheal Hakes, half-sister Shawna Wilson); grandparents Daniel and Mary Gerdes of Johnson; aunts Annette (Nathan) Johnson of Johnson, Sheryl (Kim) Butler of Wasilla, AK, Diane Connor of Elkhorn; cousins and their children Tia (Reed) Miller, Layla, Chase & Quinn; Erin (Brandon) Doeden, Henry, Lucy & Ruby; Elizabeth Johnson (fiancée Ross Jones), Jacob & Lindsey, Bailey (Anthony) De Abreu, Kara Butler, Alexandra (Robert) Saunders, Amelia Butler, Elena Butler, Robel Butler, Chelsea Baca (Daniel), Alice, Charlie, & Josie, Austin Connor, Marissa Connor and her daughter, Kathryn Pawling; many other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 12, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church near Auburn. Burial of ashes will be at a later date. Visitation will b at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.