Gerdin, Russell Allen

Russell Allen Gerdin, 70, passed peacefully, with family at his side, on Oct. 14, 2011, at his home in North Liberty after years of battling health issues.

Russ was born Sept. 4, 1941, son of Wilford and Adah (Pike) Gerdin, in Princeton, Minn. He attended elementary and high school in Princeton and entered the U.S. Coast Guard upon graduating. He later attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minn., and graduated with a business degree in 1965.

On July 29, 1967, Russ and Ann (Mikkelsen) were married. Soon after, Russ and Wilford bought a truck line in Holdrege, Neb. A short time later they sold that company and Russ bought Revell Transportation in Shenandoah, Iowa. Russ renamed that company Heartland Express. After several years Russ sold that company and bought Scott Transportation in Swisher, Iowa in 1978. He also named that company Heartland Express and it became the company we know today.

Russ was a major contributor to the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. However, his most rewarding contribution has been an ongoing educational trust fund that was set up to educate the children of Heartland Express. To date, over 300 children have been a part of this program. Russ and Ann also contributed to the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City, the Gerdin Business Building at Iowa State University, the Gerdin Athletic Learning Center at the University of Iowa and the Gerdin Wellness Center at Moorhead State University.

Russ is survived by his wife, Ann; their three children and their spouses, Michael and Nicole (Fountas) Gerdin, Eric and Julie (Gerdin) Durr and Brian and Angela (Gerdin) Janssen; and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Thomas and Kay (Gerdin) Hudson of Wolfeboro, N.H.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

May the winds of love blow softly

And whisper so you'll hear,

We will always love and miss you

And wish that you were here.

We hold you tightly in our hearts

And there you will remain,

Life will go on without you

But will never be the same.

Visitation will be Tuesday at the Solon Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m. The funeral will begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 East Jefferson St., Iowa City. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Solon, with a luncheon to follow at Celebration Farm at the intersection of Highway 1 and Morse Road. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

Carpooling to the funeral is encouraged. Sunday Parking Only will be available on downtown Iowa City streets. Please look for the Sunday Parking Only signs with red ribbons attached.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 750 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 or to Iowa City Hospice, 1025 Wade St., Iowa City, IA 52240.

Online condolences may be directed to

 Published Oct. 16, 2011, in The Gazette