Lloyd E. Gerdes - September 26, 2012

1933-2012
Lloyd Eugene Gerdes, one of eight children of John Friedrich and Adele Wilhelmine (Behrends) Gerdes, was born August 27, 1933, on a farm southwest of Auburn, Nebraska. He was baptized September 25, 1933 by Pastor Gustav K. Wiencke at St. John (Stone) Church and confirmed March 21, 1948, by F.W. Henkel at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Lloyd received his education at Muddy School, District 41 and Old Glen Rock School, District 12.
Lloyd was united in marriage to Marlene Oetjen on February 7, 1958, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn by Pastor H.M. Rathkamp. Three children were born to this union: Jerry, Terry and Craig. They lived on a farm south of Auburn, and then later moved to Humboldt, Nebraska for two years. While in Humboldt, Lloyd worked for Stansbury Implement Company. The family then moved to Auburn, where Lloyd was employed by the State of Nebraska Department of Roads for 35 years.
Lloyd served on the church council and was Luther League sponsor. He belonged to the Auburn Fire Department and was a charter member of the Nemaha County Rescue Squad. Lloyd was in the National Guard from 1952 to 1960. Lloyd enjoyed farming his acreage, spending time with his grandchildren, and doing things with family and friends.
After several years of declining health, Lloyd entered St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday, September 20, 2012, passing away Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the age of 79 years, one month and two days.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Elmer (killed in the Army in 1944), Arnold and wife Lucille and LaVerne; brothers-in-law Orval Behrends and Alvin Behrends; nephews Gary, Daniel and Kenneth Gerdes and niece Pamela Gerdes.
Lloyd is survived by his wife Marlene of Auburn; sons Jerry of Omaha; Terry of Central City, Neb.; and Craig and wife Bobbi of Omaha; grandchildren Tara and Trent; sisters Ora Behrends and Maxine Behrends, both of Johnson; Della Bergmann and husband Harvey of Auburn; brother Raymond Gerdes and wife Nadyne of Humboldt; sister-in-law Shirley Gerdes of Auburn; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Wednesday, October 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by the Rev. Ken Miller. Congregational hymns were accompanied by organist Donna Caspers. Pallbearers were Duane Trauernicht, Charlie Haynes, Bob Grotrian, Ron Grotrian, Tom Bowden and Wayne Knippelmeyer. Honorary bearers were Roy and Edna Wittwer, and nieces and nephews. Burial was in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery near Auburn.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.