James 'Jim' Allen Gerdes

JAMES "JIM" ALLEN GERDES

Monona

James "Jim" Allen Gerdes, 84, of Monona, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wis. James was born Feb. 1, 1938, to Francis and Leona (Jensen) Gerdes at home in Jesup, Iowa. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1955 and attended ISTC for one year.

On Aug. 11, 1957, Jim was united in marriage with Anita Carole Gilbert. Four children were born to this union. Jim worked as a grain inspector in Clayton, Iowa, as a semi-driver, also worked at Swiss Valley, in banking and as a bookkeeper. He was a member of the Monona Fire Department for ten years and also a member of the Jaycees.

Surviving Jim are his wife, Carole Gerdes of Monona, Iowa; his children, Gayle (Bruce) Mielke of Waterloo, Iowa, Lisa (Jeff) Woodman of Monona, Iowa, Kurt (Darla) Gerdes of Monona, Iowa, and Ann (Brad) Jacobs of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and two on the way; and his sisters, Janet Wright, Renee Peelen and Noreen Rouw.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Leona Gerdes; sister, Audrey Reinhart; and granddaughter, Emmalee Jacobs.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 2, at United Methodist Church in Monona, Iowa.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday May 2, at United Methodist Church in Monona, Iowa, with Pastor Nathan Ferguson as the officiant.

Memorials may be directed to the Monona Fire Department, Monona EMS and Monona Library.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.