Obituary for Elma Gerdes
Elma Gerdes, 97, of Peoria passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria.
She was born on September 16, 1927, in Leeds, Illinois to Virgil and Flossie Mays Andrews. Her parents and four brothers, Rayfield, Bill, Fred, and John Andrews, preceded her in death.
She married G. Paul Gerdes on June 27, 1953. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Janie Gerdes (Randy Brunner); son, David (Mary) Gerdes; grandchildren, Elizabeth Brunner, Patrick Brunner, Jessica Barringer, Ronnie Addison, and Bethany Gerdes; and dear sister-in-law, Shirley Andrews.
Elma graduated from Morton High School. She worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company where she met her husband. She was an excellent seamstress. Elma volunteered for her children’s activities and for the Proctor Hospital gift shop. She was a member of First Federated Church in Peoria since 1957, where she also volunteered.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Cremation has been accorded and private family services will be held at a later date.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To plant a tree in memory of Elma Gerdes, visit the Tribute Store.
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