visitation on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Harry was born July 14, 1931, near Bingham Lake in Carson Township, Minn., the second youngest of eight, to John and Marie (Dick) Gerdes. He attended country school with his siblings until age 14. After eighth grade he spent two years working on the family farm, which was common in his day. He returned to school where he lettered in both cross country and track. He graduated from St. James High School in 1951. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably on the USS Samuel B. Roberts from 1951-1955. After four years in the navy, he farmed with his brothers in Lewisville.

He married Shirley Mardelle Kelsey in Storm Lake, Iowa, on Feb. 21, 1958. Together they farmed while raising three sons and a daughter. Later in life he built furniture at Conestoga Wood, Inc. in Mountain Lake. He enjoyed woodworking and was a skilled craftsman who was able to build most anything. During his retirement years he was a hospital volunteer at Mayo Clinic Health System in St. James. Harry was a thoughtful man who was known for his faith, his love of family, his generosity, sense of humor and words of wisdom.

Harry is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Scott (Terri) Gerdes of Sartell, John Timothy Gerdes of Ormsby, James Todd (Stephanie) Gerdes of Vining; daughter, Jean Shannon Gerdes (Jon Bentz) of Truman; 12 grandchildren, Harrison (Erin Wissler), Hannah, Rachel and Greta Gerdes, Jordan and Ashley Gerdes, Erin (Tim Roberts) Gerdes, Ben Gerdes, Caitlin (Josh Torrez), and Bowdin, Effie and Maisie Bentz. Also six great-grandchildren, Henry and Annabelle Wissler Gerdes, Toby, Wyatt, Leo and Rosie Torrez. Also survived by sister-in-law, Ruth Jones; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife, Shirley “Tootie” Kelsey Gerdes in 2017; parents, John and Marie; siblings, Edna Gerdes, Rueben Gerdes, Lydia (Vern) Hooge, Verona (Phil) Johnson, Dora (Norman) Loewens, George Gerdes and David Gerdes.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Sturm Funeral Home, 906 10th Avenue South in St. James, Minn. There will be a private family burial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Waverly Lutheran Church Cemetery in Trimont. The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice services, and Dr. Hamm for their compassionate care. Memorials are preferred to Waverly

Lutheran Church.

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