David William Gerdes

David William Gerdes died peacefully in Duluth, Minnesota on April 12th, 2023. He was 82 years old.

The second son of Walter and Margaret Gerdes, David was born in Shawano, Wisconsin on October 7th, 1940. His siblings are Donald Gerdes, Doris (Gerdes) Luhman, and Delbert Gerdes. David graduated from high school in Howard Lake, Minnesota, served in the U.S. Army, and attended St. Cloud State University. For most of his adult life, he called Itasca county Minnesota home, residing in both Squaw Lake and Grand Rapids for several years where he worked as a custodian for Independent School District 318 until he retired in 2000.

David lived a simple life and was a generous friend. His dry sense of humor both caught us off guard, and made us smile. David enjoyed sharing tomatoes and raspberries from his prolific vegetable garden. He liked to make maple syrup with friends and rarely missed poker night. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset, Minnesota. David was a kind and gentle father and grandfather.

He will be missed by his friends and family especially his daughter Alexandra (Gerdes) Borstad, son-in-law John Borstad, who live in Duluth, Minnesota, and grandchildren Haakon Borstad (27), Berit Borstad (24), Toni Borstad (19) and Tayte Borstad (16).

If you would like to honor David’s life, consider a donation to support activities for residents of Aftenro Home, 510 College St., Duluth, MN 55811.

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