Louis J. Gerdes

Louis J. Gerdes, 91, formerly of Redding California, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, January 8, 2024 at ProMedica Fostoria Hospital.  He was born on November 2, 1932 in Coffeyville, KS to Louis William and Lela (Tucker) Gerdes.  Louis served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 where he received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Louis then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in education.

Louis married Donlieta Moore on May 16, 1953 in Compton, CA and she preceded him on December 3, 2018. He was a Teacher, a Southern Baptist Pastor, a devoted Christian and was very active at Redding Christian Fellowship in Redding, CA.  Louis enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming and being outdoors but the light of his life is his family, especially the grandchildren, who were all baptized by Louis.    

Louis is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Harley) Davis, Hinkley, CA, Pam (Jeff) Slaughter, Fremont, OH, Terri Hale, Davis, CA; grandchildren, Candice, Robert (Bethany), Will (Lindy), Aaron, Elizabeth, Jaime (Chevas), Brittany (Branden), Amber (Marcus), Jennifer, Chris, Michele (Dalton), Isaac (Kayla), Rhyan; great grandchildren, Rowen, Josiah “JJ”, Kai, Atlas, Caleb, Kota, Cam Cam, Bree, Piper “Peter”, Clovre, Holli, Tristan, Bryce; twins, Hayleigh and Raleigh, David, Madi, Gage (Ben’s son), Bella, Ashlynn, Elodie and sister, Juanita “Skippy”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of sixty-five years, Donlieta Gerdes; infant daughter, Debbie; daughter, Becky Sagart; grandson, Ben; great granddaughter, Samantha Kay; siblings, Vernon, Arthur and Gary.

It was Louis’s wish to be buried with his wife at Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California at a later date.

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.