Donald Gerdts, Sr.

Donald Eugene Gerdts SR, 70, of Grain Valley, MO died unexpectedly November 17th 2010. A memorial visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, at the Suburban Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans Local Chapter 10, 1002 E. 24 Hwy, Independence, MO 64050. Don was born March 17th, 1940 in Clarinda, Iowa to Irvin & Hazel Gerdts. He was one of 6 children. Don was of the Lutheran faith. Early in his life he enjoyed farming. In 1958, Don graduated from Lee’s Summit High School. He was a police officer in Blue Springs during the 70s. Don has been in banking over 30 years. He presently was working for M&I Bank as a Vice President. He also enjoyed hunting, yard work and his family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Gerdts of Grain Valley, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Mark Smith of Blue Springs, MO; son and daughter-in-law Don Jr. and Sonia Gerdts of Brea, CA; son and daughter-in-law Kent and Julie Gerdts of Vail, AZ; grandchildren, Stacy and Craig Smith of Blue Springs, MO, Cris and Alexa Fealy, and Ethan Gerdts of Brea, CA; Holly and Emily Gerdts of Vail, AZ; great-granddaughter, Aubrey McKelvey; two sisters and their husbands, Betty and Phil Burch of Kansas City, MO, Judy and Ron Meins of Garden City, MO; brother and his wife, Kenny and Kay Gerdts of Grain Valley, MO; brother-in-law, Dan Rayl; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Gerdts. Don was preceded in death by his mother & father, Hazel & Irvin Gerdts; sister, Martha Rayl; and brother Milton Gerdts.