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Greg C. Gerdes
Stanwood
Greg C. Gerdes, 71, of Stanwood, formerly of Olin, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Forest Chapel Cemetery in rural Anamosa with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Hammer’s Hideaway (formally known as Greg's PitStop) in Olin. Dawson Funeral Services of Olin is caring for Greg’s family.
Greg Charles was born on Aug. 3, 1950, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Alfred and Velma (Purdy) Gerdes. Greg married Juanita Sasina Gerdes in1970 and they lived in Coralville prior to their divorce many years later. He moved to Olin, where he lived with his longtime girlfriend Adrianne Rickles.
He owned and operated many businesses over the years, including Conoco gas station, Greg’s ProTow and lastly Greg’s Pit Stop in Olin for many years. Greg was a member of the Coralville Firefighter’s Association and was a volunteer firefighter for 16 years from 1972 to 1988. He always was a huge supporter of any fundraiser especially those in Olin. He loved his community and served as mayor for several years. Greg enjoyed restoring old cars, visiting the casino, bowling and pool leagues. He raced cars and participated in demolition derbies back in his younger days. He especially like the winter water-ball fighting for the fire department. He loved to socialize with family and friends.
Those left to cherish his memories are his two daughters, Bobbi Jo (William) Halstead of Stanwood and Paula Gerdes of North Liberty; bonus daughter, Denise McCrea of Olin; three grandchildren, Devon Halstead, Mallory Moore and Kiel McCrea; and many extended family members and longtime friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; David and Van; his girlfriend, Adrianne Rickles; and a granddaughter, Destini Lynn Halstead.
Memorials may be directed to the family in his honor to be dispersed to several charities that he always donated to. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.dawsonfuneral.com.
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