Duane L. Gerdes

Duane Lloyd Gerdes, age 56, passed away peacefully at Minnesota Valley Memorial Hospital in Le Sueur on February 19, 2012 with his wife by his side. Duane was born on June 4, 1955 in New Prague, MN to Lloyd and Barbara (Brossard) Gerdes. He went to School and graduated from Belle Plaine in 1973. Duane worked for Green Giant Can Corp. in Savage. He worked 17 years for Laminations Inc. as a plant supervisor and was able to maintain all of the machines as well. Most recently, Duane worked for Fremont Industries in Shakopee, MN. He felt fortunate to work for such a compassionate company and has valued his many friendships there. Duane formed so many friendships throughout the years, he called his friends his "buddies". He married his high school sweetheart; Jean Edberg on October 25, 1975. Together they had 3 children, living in Belle Plaine and then Le Sueur, MN. Duane adored and loved to brag about his 10 grandchildren. Kailyn and Hunter Gerdes, Kennedy, Karragen, Keegan, Koreyann and Kiandra Straub, Jordan and Collin Grinde and Makenzie Kamps. Duane had a love for farming, gardening, fishing, bowling and going "up north" to his campsite. He was very talented and would help anyone with just about anything in a heartbeat. It was so important to Duane to always help others. It was a great asset for him to be so talented in a variety of areas. All have been witness to his faith, his strength and his courage during this battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was preceded in death by his dad, Lloyd A.Gerdes and sister-in-law; Julie Gerdes as well as grandparents; Herman and Mary (Krueger) Gerdes. He is survived by his loving wife; Jean, his children; Nathon (Shari) Gerdes of Belle Plaine, MN, Stacy (Chad) Straub of Le Sueur and Julene Kamps of Le Sueur, MN. His mother, His brothers; Dwight ( Denise) Gerdes of Las Vegas, NV, Mark Gerdes of Belle Plaine, MN and Bob ( Bev ) Gerdes of Dassel,MN . His sisters; Ann Engel of St.Peter, MN, Sue (Mark) Thelen of Prior Lake, MN, Mary Jo (Dave) Betzold of Savage, MN. Many beloved in-laws; Mary Agnes Edberg and Jeans' siblings; Joyce (Virgil) Noll of Belle Plaine, MN, Patrice (John) Waldorf of Cedar Rapids, IA, Rob (Eydie) Edberg of Belle Plaine, MN, Michael (Terri) Edberg of Hutchinson, and Mary Joe Edberg of Apple Valley, MN many nieces, nephews and cousins Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Le Sueur with Father George Grafsky officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Friday, Feb. 24, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Le Sueur and continue at church one hour before Mass on Saturday morning. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to: American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Minneapolis 2500 University Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 Arrangements by Kolden Funeral Home. www.koldenfuneralhome.com