Fred Gerhardt Obituary

Fred was a great guy! He hired me 36 years ago as Engineers Helper in the Merchandise Mart. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He has a wonderful family. We can certainly see why. He is in our prayers and thoughts.

Sincerely,

Ed and Barb Murphy

Chief Engineer - Merchandise Mart

Andy,

My sincere condolences for you and your family at this time.



Bill

I miss my Dad so much it hurts and I find that with time it doesn't dwindle. My Dad was always there for me my whole life. When I wanted to be independant at 11 and applied for a paper route, he took me the first week so I'd know my way and on Sundays we delivered them together with the car. He did one side of the street, I did the other. After, he let me drive to the bakery for donuts until the day I mixed up the gas and the brake while pulling in the drive and I hit our other car.

He also bought me a guinea pig after my Mom said no. He didn't know that and I didn't tell him.

He would also bring the whole family to my band concerts and stand up and wave until I saw him and waved back. In band, when a chaperone for a trip was needed, all the guys named my Dad because he made our band trips fun with pizzas and pillow fights. I have so many other stories of other great things he did. I'll write again!

From Lake of the Woods in Canada--those "fishing" trips...to all those pinocle games, Red was a hell of a guy!

Great memories.

He will be missed.

What I remember most about Fred Gerhardt is that he was loud, but I never saw him get mad or raise his voice in anger (except to yell at an umpire or referee while watching sports). He had a laugh that came from down deep and would make the floor and walls shake. I loved to "watch" him tell a story. He would act out his stories with his hands and facial expressions that he made changing a spark plug on a car sound interesting. He was proud of his kids accomplishments no matter how great or small they were. He would encourage any dream you had and tell you that it didn't matter what others thought, as long as you gave it your all you succeeded. You could give him a $.25 gumball machine trinket and he treated it like you just gave him $1,000,000. He had a huge heart and was always there to lend a helping hand. He was my "Uncle Red" and there was no other like him.

As 2002 starts we will all miss you dad. You had a distinct life and many contributions that will not be forgotten. In your honor I have dedicated this guest book to your legacy. I hope that as time passes that many of the people that were touched by your life share their stories with the rest of us. God bless you!

Fred was a valued employee for the Merchandise Mart for over 40 years and is remembered fondly by those who worked with him.



Myron Maurer

Vice President - Operations

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Please accept my sympathy and know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Andy, my sincere condolences for your loss.



Danny

Dear Andy and Barbara:

I am terribly sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.



God Bless,

Me'Chell

Dear Andy & Barb - I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Loving son of Fred - WWII POW - Berlin, Purple Heart awarded twice, turrett gunner in 1000 plane raid on Berlin, shot down and taken captive until Gen. George Patton's troups came through Berlin at which point he was saved. Patton was riding his white horse when they entered the town. Englishmen announced there was an American among them as prisoners - and I thank god for that happening or my family never would have taken shape.