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Kenneth Gerdes Sr.

1931 - 2019

BORN

1931

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

McKenzie Funeral Home Ltd

15618 Cicero Ave

Oak Forest, Illinois

Kenneth Gerdes Obituary

Gerdes, Sr., Kenneth Sylvester Otto Age 87, formerly of Oak Forest, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019. Born October 28, 1931 in Blue Island, Illinois. Son of the late Gregory V. Sr. and Bertha H. (nee Freiss) Gerdes. Preceded in death by wife Dorothy A. (nee Stewart) Gerdes; brother Gregory Jr. (Mary Beth) and grandson Kenneth III. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Diane T. (nee Schneider) Gerdes along with 10 children, Kenneth Jr. (Linda), Nora (Tom) Nolan, Timothy (Peg), Jeffrey (Lora), Sandra (Jay) O'Reilly, Thomas, Gary (Josh), Matthew, Sharon, Mark (Kelly); 25 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Eugene (Marilyn) Gerdes; many nephews and nieces; brother-in-law, Charles (Pat) Schneider. Ken was loved and respected by his family, friends and community. He was of strong faith and instilled his values and traditions within his family. Ken owned Gerdes Construction and Jack Frost Ice Cream Shop in Oak Forest. He was the president of the Oak Forest Baseball Association and founded the Oak Forest Wrestling Booster Club; was a member of the Lions Club and served as the Oak Forest Building Commissioner. Ken was an avid golfer and Chicago Cubs fan; an amateur boxer and baseball player. Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at St. Damian Church, 5300 West 155th Street, Oak Forest for the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kenneth's name may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie Funeral Home, Oak Forest. For information, call: 708-687-2990.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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July 8, 2019

Kenny and my dad we're friends from childhood and throughout their lives. Diane and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Son of Herbert C Krueger

Dan Krueger
1062 Aspen Drive
Manteno, IL 60950

July 5, 2019

Kens Uncle from his Mothers side is Sylvester Freiss. One of the WWII from Oak Forest that did not make it home while serving. Sylvester has a memorial marker at Oak Forest city hall. I recently honored Sylvesters grave in Hawaii. May they both rest in peace.
Craig Miller

Medard Narko

June 28, 2019

Peace to the family of Ken Gerdes. Remember him as I do an honorable, hardworking, good person. He kept his work and did his job. I enjoyed the times we worked together at the city. You all should be so proud of him.

Marty&Marilyn Hicks

June 25, 2019

Dear Sharon and family,
Marty and I are so sorry at the passing of your dear father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please extend our condolences to your Mother and your family.
God bless you all. Let us know if there is anything We can do for you. Thank you for letting us know about your Dad.
Blessings,
Marty&Marilyn

June 25, 2019

Hanna and Hillary,

Although we didn't know your grandfather, we do know that he must have been a great guy because the both of your are great people! We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Your friends and family at KSA Iowa

Greg & Linda Gerdes

June 25, 2019

To Aunt Diane & Family words can't express the loss we feel. Everyone that interfaced with Uncle Ken was enriched by his cheerful spirit.He was loved by many for his hard work and contributions to so many people. Every task he managed he did well. He truly was a remarkable man and will be missed. God is adding a beautiful spirit to his Kingdom.

June 25, 2019

Our heavenly father has promised that through his son Jesus Christ there is going to be a ressurrection for all who have fallen asleep in death, may the family find comfort in God's word at John5:28

S. McMahon

June 24, 2019

Gerdes Family,
So sorry for you loss but what a legacy your father left. We know all to well the type of person he was, we watched our parents along with yours progress Oak Forest, support us in all we did and enjoy their friendships as well. We were so lucky to have them. Thinking of you all.
The Foss Family
Lori (Rick) Shemoski, Dave ( Lora Bussie) and Sandy (Jim) McMahon

June 24, 2019

As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your cherished memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.

Patrick Gordon

June 24, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the Gerdes Family. I got to know Ken when he was our building commissioner and always enjoyed working with him and talking with him. He was a wonderful, intelligent and honest individual and will be truly missed. Rest in peace Kenny. You were one of the best.

American Heart Association

June 24, 2019

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

June 24, 2019

Gerdes family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Heaven has gained a great man. Love and prayers to you all.
Patti Elliott

Cheryl Lynn

June 24, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family and friends.May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.

Cj

June 24, 2019

I'm sorry for your loss. May the true God of comfort, comfort those mourning and bind up the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1,2

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Memorial Events
for Kenneth Gerdes

Jun

26

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Damian Church

5300 West 155th Street, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Funeral services provided by:

McKenzie Funeral Home Ltd

15618 Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452

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