Ronald D. Gerdes, 83, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on May 25, 1942 in Rensselaer, Indiana, a son of Meinhart and Lorene (Brucker) Gerdes. They preceded him in death along with his brother, Dale Gerdes, and son, Gary Gerdes.

 

Ron married Sheryl R. Jacob on September 26, 1964 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove and she survives.

 

Also surviving are three sons, Greg (Ronda) Gerdes of St. Joseph, Glen (Stephanie) Gerdes of Lake Villa, and Garvin (Amy) Gerdes of Monticello; six grandchildren, Alyson Gerdes, Jordyn Gerdes, Peyton Gerdes, Olivia Gerdes, Maddux Gerdes, and Corinne Gerdes; two brothers, Rodell (Marcie) Gerdes of Paxton and Stanley (Barbara) Gerdes of Savoy; and one sister, Charlene Hauptli of Morton.

 

Ron was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove. Ron was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. He was an active member and past commander of the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527. Ron was an avid golfer and a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He spent 38 years as a contractor with Morton Buildings. After retiring, he loved spending time with his three son's families, especially his grandchildren.

 

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Ash Grove with graveside military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove, Cissna Park American Legion Post 527, or the Cissna Park Fire Department.

 

Please share a memory of Ron at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.