Donald Lawrence Gerdes, age 77, died on Monday, December 26, 2016. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 30, 2016 at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On-line condolences may be left at the George Boom Funeral Home website.

Don was born on June 15, 1939 in Windom, MN to John and Ida (Kruse) Gerdes. In 1952 John and Ida made their home in Sioux Falls, SD, and it is here that Don was raised and received his education. Don worked for over 45 years making cardboard boxes and paper packing products in Sioux Falls, retiring in 2005.  

Don met his soul mate, Kathleen (Severson) Worm in 1974. The couple were united in marriage on July 5, 1980 in Baltic, SD. Don, Kathy and her two children, Timothy and Craig made their home in Sioux Falls.

Don was a people person who loved sharing stories and visiting with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, step-father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.  

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Kathy Gerdes, Sioux Falls, SD; two step-sons: Timothy (Amber Fountain) Lambert and Craig (Lu Jean) Worm all of Dell Rapids, SD; five grandchildren: Jessica Lambert, Ashlee Lambert, Nicole Worm, Abby (fiancé, JP Palmlund) Worm and Taylor (Justin) Mommer; three great grandchildren: Savannah, Blake and Korbin; two brothers: Elmer (Viola) Gerdes of Brandon, SD; and Leon “Red” (Joanne) Gerdes of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters: Marion (Jim) Bonnstetter of Sioux Falls, SD and Helen Friedrich of Colorado: beloved Shih-tzu, Mollie; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida Gerdes.