(Veterans Flag)

Robert T. Gerdes, 65, of Blair, died Sunday, June 1, 2014, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Blair.

Robert T. Gerdes was born on Nov. 16, 1948, in Lake City, Iowa, to Bert H. and Mary Ann (Deuel) Gerdes. He attended and graduated from Wall Lake where he was a star basketball player and, to this date, holds the school scoring record.

After high school, he attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, for two years and then transferred to Northwest Missouri State where he earned his degree in agriculture.

On Jan. 31, 1972, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and served his country honorably. He received his honorable discharge on Dec. 10, 1973.

He was united in marriage to Susan Champ on July 2, 1972, in Blair.

During his summers in high school, he began working as a carpenter. Later in life, that became his full-time profession. He started working for Blane Lemmons in 1974 for two years, and then worked for Jerry Jorgensen for 30 years. He retired in 2006.

Over the years, he built more than 50 homes and did hundreds of remodeling jobs. He loved seeing the people enjoy what he had made.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of Blair; son Andrew (Wai Si) Gerdes of Brooklyn, N.Y.; mother-in-law Irene Champ of Blair; brother-in-law Jim (Rena) Beukelman of Powell, Wyo.; sisters-in-law: Jean (George) Voigtlander of Pawnee City, Penney Champ of Omaha, Connie Barnes of Jackson, Mich., Amy (David) Young of Boise, Idaho, and Teresa Champ of Omaha; nieces: Cherri, Maggie, Clare, Lisa, Trisha, Stephanie, Jordyn, Madi, Rebecca, Caroline and Scarlett; nephews: Walt, Rob, Charlie, Michael, Pete, Lance, Colter, Kellen and Dalton; along with many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce Beukelman.

Memorials may be directed to the Blair First United Methodist Church Capital Campaign.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home in Blair is in charge of arrangements. www.campbellaman.com

2) Printed in the June 8, 2014 Omaha World Herald, Omaha, Nebraska

Veteran flag

Gerdes, Robert T., age 65

Blair. Survived by wife Sue, Blair; son, Andew (Wai Si) Gerdes, Brooklyn, NY; and mother-in-law, Irene Champ, Blair.

Memorial Service at 10:30 am Saturday, June 14, at First United Methodist Church in Blair. Memorials may be directed to the Blair First United Methodist Church Capital Campaign.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home, Blair, NE 402-426-2191

3) Funeral leaflet

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In Loving Memory of Robert T. Gerdes

Born November 16th, 1948 Lake City, Iowa ~ Entered Into Rest June 1st, 2014 Omaha, Nebraska.

Memorial Service Saturday, June 14th, 2014 First United Methodist Church Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Pastor Rebecca Hjelle. Organist: Ann Thiemann. Musical Selections: "Unforgettable", "When We All Get To Heaven", "When We Walk With The Lord"

~~~Obituaries and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~