Gilbert Sandersfeld

GILBERT SANDERSFELD

Cedar Rapids

Gilbert C. Sandersfeld, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away in the early morning of Monday, June 9, 2014, at Mercy Iowa City, due to Parkinson's disease.

Gilbert was born Nov. 13, 1927, in rural Homestead, Iowa, the son of August and Elizabeth (Von Ahusen) Sandersfeld. He enlisted in the U.S. Army just after World War II. He served in Paris, France, because he was fluent in German. He guarded Nazi prisoners of war before they were released to go home. When he returned, he met and married Anita Helberg on June 1, 1952, in Victor, Iowa.

He farmed for a short time and his wife taught school in rural Homestead. They left farming behind in 1958. They moved near Cedar Rapids to start life in industry. Gilbert brought his hard-working farm ethics to town. He never lost his love of growing things. He had the best vegetable garden in town. He retired from Amana Refrigeration in 1991.

Gilbert enjoyed his retirement years traveling with his wife and family and enjoyed fishing with his grandson, Christopher. He instilled the love of being outdoors in his grandsons.

Gilbert is survived by two daughters, Patricia Wagner and Pamela (James) Stumpff, both of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Christopher and Darrick Wagner of

Cedar Rapids and Kali Brinker of Urbandale; great-granddaughter, Gracelynn, who brought sparkles to his eyes; three sisters, Shirley Nagle of Ohio, Roma Phelps of San Diego, Calif., and Dorothy Fenton of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Waldemar; and sister, Medora.

He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.

A funeral service celebrating Gilbert's life will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with Pastor Brad Brown officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar

memorial.com under

"obituaries."