Gerdes, Mildred 'Millie'

Mildred “Millie” Gerdes, 98, of Monticello died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at the Monticello Nursing and Rehab Center following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Monticello, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. The Rev. Darryl Larson will officiate at the services.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left for the family at .

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Surviving are three children, Phillip (Connie) Gerdes, Monticello, Sharon (Mark) Helle, Cedar Rapids, and Stuart (Kathy) Gerdes, Monticello; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Casper D. (Elverna) Arduser, Langworthy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; three sisters, Clara Arduser, Gertrude Hein and Velma Baum; and two brothers, George and Clifford.

Mildred Lillian Arduser was born Aug. 22, 1913, at Sand Springs, Iowa. She was the daughter of Casper and Emma Strahle Arduser. Mildred attended the Sand Springs Schools and graduated from the Hopkinton High School in 1932. She continued her education at Lenox College in Hopkinton. Millie worked as a cook at the school to pay for her education. She graduated in 1935 from Lenox College. Millie taught in the Richland Township Schools for three years and then at Castle Grove #3 for two years.

Mildred Arduser and Paul G. Gerdes were married May 31, 1940, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in Castle Grove Township until 1963, when they moved to a farm in Wayne Township. They farmed actively until 1999. Mildred was employed at the Johnson Nursing Home and then at the John McDonald Hospital as a nurses aide. The couple moved to Monticello in 2001.

Mildred was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where she was active in the circles and taught Sunday school. She was baptized Oct. 19, 1913, at the Evangelical and Reform Church. She confirmed her faith there on April 1, 1928. Mildred had also belonged to the Federated Garden Club. She was an avid Hawkeye and Cub Fan, she loved to garden and just be outside. Her faith in Christ and her family were her most treasured gifts.