Gary L. Gerdes, age 72 of Clinton, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Mercy One Hospital. In following Gary’s wishes, there will be no services with cremation rites to be accorded. Burial will be at a later date. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Gary was born in Morrison, IL on May 17, 1949, the son of Harold and Mildred E. (Taylor) Gerdes. He graduated from Prophetstown High School. Gary married Kathryn L. Brickey on January 24, 1970 in Dixon, IL. He was employed at McEleney Auto Center for nearly 30 years before owning and operating Gerdes Northend Auto, retiring on May 1st, 2016. He was a member of the Church of the Open Door, IADA (Iowa Automobile Dealers Association), Clinton Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club, where he had won the award of Boss of the Year. Gary had a deep passion for General Motors and their vehicles. He enjoyed exceeding expectations with his clients, meeting new people, traveling to fun locations and boating; especially trips up the Mississippi River from Clinton to La Crosse, Wisconsin with their dear friends.
Gary is survived by his wife Kathryn, three sons; Paul (Tammy) Gerdes of Fulton, Eric (Heidi) Gerdes of Saline, MI and David (Erin) Gerdes of Grapevine, TX; nine grandchildren, Evan, Emily, Erin, Ethan, Allison, Owen, DJ, Cole and Cade; 2 sisters, Nancy (Gerald) Schelfaut of Bloomington, IL and Shirley (Earl) Santee of Prophetstown and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patricia and his Grandpa Taylor. Memorials in Gary’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.