Passed away on Jul 16, 2010

Kenneth “Kenny” L. Gerdes, age 61, of rural Black River Falls (Town of Irving), died Friday, July 16, 2010 in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Kenneth LaVerne Gerdes was born on February 24, 1949 in Humboldt, Nebraska to Arnold and Lucille (Jurgensmeier) Gerdes. In 1960, when he was in the 6th grade, he moved to the Melrose area with his family. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School in 1967. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Sandra Zeman, on October 26, 1968 in Black River Falls. Kenny was a self-employed flooring installer for 20 years and had been an owner/operator semi-truck driver contracted to Timepiece of Mauston for 18 years. He was a member of St. Kevin’s Catholic Church of Melrose. Kenny enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting including making numerous hunting trips out West, fishing in Hayward, camping, woodworking, gardening, picture puzzles, spending time with his dog “Bo,” and riding his Harley-Davidson. He was known for his keen sense of humor/quick wit and making everyone smile and laugh. Kenny was a “jack of all trades” and was always willing to help others. He also was an EMT. Survivors include his wife, Sandy; 2 sons, Troy (Teresa) Gerdes of Melrose and Jeff (Becky) Gerdes of Mindoro; a daughter, Susan (special friend, Zuteus Sevenants) Gerdes of Holmen; 4 grandchildren, Kenny, Donica, Allison, and Brett Gerdes; 12 sisters and brothers, Sharon (Claire) Rice, Ron (Sharon) Gerdes, Janice (Al) Bolger, Dianna (Tom) Bowden, Leslie (Valynda) Gerdes, Linda Zeman, Mary Barritt, Jolene (Stan) Rydel, Elaine Zeman, Duane Gerdes, Scott (Kim) Gerdes, and Kris (Pete) Proft; a sister-in-law, Kathleen (Bennie) Hart; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lucille Gerdes, and a brother, Danny Gerdes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. John Steiner and Rev. Fr. Godwin Amah will officiate and burial will be in St. Malachy’s Cemetery, Town of Irving, Jackson County, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 to 8 P.M. on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and at the church on Tuesday, from 10 A.M. until services. There will be a rosary service at 8 P.M. on Monday in the funeral home. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com and caringbridge.org (kennygerdes).