Alfred S. Gerdes, age 93, of Rhinelander, died Nov. 5, 2016 at the Rennes Health and Rehab Center. He was born Oct. 4, 1923 in Gleason to Julius and Marie (Clausen) Gerdes. After his schooling Alfred joined the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre during WW II. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Gleason and worked on the family farm. He later was employed by the Rhinelander Paper Company.
While in Europe during WW II Alfred met Hannelore Meier. On Nov. 29, 1947 they were married and God blessed them with 64 years of marriage. Hannelore preceded Alfred in death on May 10, 2012.
Alfred enjoyed gardening, raising raspberries, taking care of his lawn and woodworking. He was a member of the VFW and a longtime member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church. Alfred would tell you that any of those activities were better when it involved his family. He loved spending time with his entire family.
Alfred is survived by his daughters, Monica Quirin of Geneva, Ill. and Else (Dave) Melin of Iron Mountain, Mich.; his son Martin (Christine) Gerdes; his grandsons, James (Jessica) Gerdes and Jason (Angela) Gerdes; four great-grandchildren, Madilynn, Parker, Grayson and Finley; nieces, nephews other family and many friends. In addition to his wife he was also preceded in death by ten siblings.
Funeral services for Alfred will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. at the St. Mark Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Botsford officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 9 and from 10 a.m. until just prior to the services at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the Northland Memorial Park Cemetery, You may leave your private condolences for the Gerdes family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements.