Obituary of Robert Wayne Gerdes

Robert Wayne Gerdes, 86, of Winthrop Harbor, IL, passed away on March 12, 2021, in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was born on May 8, 1934, in Mason City, IA, the son of Theodore (Gertrude nee Ludeking) Gerdes. Robert previously lived in Clear Lake, IA, where he graduated high school. After high school, he attended Hanson Mechanical Trade school and later joined the U.S Army. Robert then went to work for Outboard Marine Corp for thirty-nine years. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and traveling the world; especially going on over thirty cruises with his wife and family. When he wasn’t traveling, he enjoyed classical music and working on cars. Robert is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Karen, children: Wayne (Marian) Gerdes, Kim (Dan) Sandretto, grandchildren: Dylan (Tanya) Sandretto, Scott (Brianna) Gerdes, Marshall (Taylor) Sandretto, Mark (Heather) Heavey, Michelle (Jeff) Heavey-Oliveri, great-grandchildren: Layla Gerdes, Luciano Oliveri, Anthony Hurtado, brother Ronald (Eddy) Gerdes, and many nieces and nephews. Robert is preceded in death by his parents. A burial service will be held later this summer in Woden, IA.