Harry Gerdes

Harry James Gerdes of Ormsby, Minnesota passed away at Good Samaritan Society in St. James on August 7, 2023 at the age of 92 following a brief illness. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends. Respects can be paid during a visitation at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 4 to 7 pm.

Harry was born July 14, 1931 near Bingham Lake in Carson Township, Minnesota, the second youngest of eight, to John and Marie (Dick) Gerdes. He attended country school with his siblings until age 14. After eighth grade he spent two years working on the family farm, which was common in his day. He returned to school where he lettered in both cross country and track. He graduated from St. James High School in 1951. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably on the USS Samuel B. Roberts from 1951-1955. After four years in the navy, he farmed with his brothers in Lewisville. He married Shirley Mardelle Kelsey in Storm Lake, Iowa on February 21, 1958. Together they farmed while raising three sons and a daughter.

Later in life he built furniture at Conestoga Wood, Inc. in Mountain Lake. He enjoyed woodworking and was a skilled craftsman who was able to build most anything. During his retirement years he was a hospital volunteer at the Mayo Clinic Health System in St. James. Harry was a thoughtful man who was known for his faith, his love of family, his generosity, sense of humor, and words of wisdom.

Harry is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Scott (Terri) Gerdes of Sartell, John Timothy Gerdes of Ormsby, James Todd (Stephanie) Gerdes of Vining, and daughter Jean Shannon Gerdes (Jon Bentz) of Truman. Twelve grandchildren, Harrison (Erin Wissler), Hannah, Rachel and Greta Gerdes, Jordan and Ashley Gerdes, Erin (Tim Roberts) Gerdes, Ben Gerdes, Caitlin (Josh Torrez), and Bowdin, Effie, and Maisie Bentz. Also six great-grandchildren, Henry and Annabelle Wissler Gerdes, Toby, Wyatt, Leo, and Rosie Torrez. Also survived by sister-in-law, Ruth Jones, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife Shirley (Tootie) Kelsey Gerdes in 2017, parents John and Marie, siblings Edna Gerdes, Rueben Gerdes, Lydia (Vern) Hooge, Verona (Phil) Johnson, Dora (Norman) Loewens, George Gerdes, and David Gerdes.

Visitation will be at Sturm Funeral Home, 906 10th Avenue South, St. James, MN on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a private family burial service on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Waverly Lutheran Church Cemetery in Trimont.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice services, and Dr. Hamm for their compassionate care.

Memorials are preferred to Waverly Lutheran Church