Dorothy M. Gerdes

February 25, 1928 - January 30, 2017

Dorothy M. Gerdes was born to Fred A. and Leona (Weber) Drewel on February 25, 1928. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Talmage, Nebraska. She graduated from Brock High School and received her teachers certificate from Nebraska State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska in 1947. Dorothy taught for a couple of years. Dorothy was united in marriage to Dennis D. Gerdes on November 18, 1949, at Zion’s Evangelical and Reform Church in Talmage. She was a loving farm wife and mother. Dorothy worked alongside Dennis in their farm operation and together raised four children. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, crocheting, dancing, cards, friends, and family. Dorothy passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 at Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Nebraska. She is survived by her husband Dennis of Good Samaritan Society-Auburn; brother and sister-in-law Delbert and Bonnie Drewel of Brock; children and spouses Rodney and Mercedes Gerdes of Valentine; Rhonda and Bernard Sypal of Seward; Gail and Charles Mack of Verdon; grandchildren and spouses Valerie Gerdes, Jared and Jalin Gerdes, Katrina and David Duncan, Joshua and April Sypal; great-granddaughter Angela Sypal; step-great-granddaughter Kailey Duncan; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dave and Karen Gerdes; Virginia Gerdes; Iva and Larry Bohlken; Lloyd Volker; Cecil Bykerk; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and son Lyle L. Gerdes. A funeral service was held Friday, February 3, 2017 at first Presbyterian Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Carla Patterson. Steve Smallfoot was organist for congregational hymns. Casket bearers were Monty Gerdes, Lyle Brinkman,Jared Gerdes, Joshua Sypal, Steve Neeman, and Steve Schmidt. Burial followed in Sheridan West Cemetery near Auburn.