Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
130 Wisconsin Ave.
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Charles Gerdes Obituary
Charles D. Gerdes
(1933-2020)
Charles D. Gerdes, age 87, of Cranberry Twp., passed into heaven on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.
Born July 18, 1933 in Rockwell, Iowa he was the son of the late O. O. "Tom" Gerdes and Vella Tina Renner Gerdes.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, R.M. Charlotte Chess Gerdes whom he married on July 27, 1957 at the St. George Anglican Church in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. He is also survived by his children, Christine (David) Sweikowski, Charles (Susan) Gerdes, Jr., Cathleen (Kevin) Little, and Craig (Lisa) Gerdes; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Colin R. & Michael P. Gerdes; five brothers, and two nephews.
Charles graduated from Mason City High School in 1951, and from Mason City Junior College. He was a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute Class of 1957 in Chicago, IL. He earned his BS in Education from Geneva College and his MS in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught mainly for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Charles was active in the choir and Primetimers at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, and sang with the Cranberry Civic Chorale. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
The Gerdes family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. at the Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs., Inc., 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066.
Charles will be laid to rest privately by his family at Pinewood Memorial Park in Cranberry Twp.
A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143, with the Rev. Doug Raraigh, officiating.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Urban Impact Foundation, 801 Union Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gerdes
Sponsored by Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Cranberry Twp.
2 Entries
Michael F Palmosina II
December 26, 2020
Charlotte, I just read this the day after Christmas. I had no idea. So sorry for loss and sad to know we will no longer hear Chuck's magnificent tenor voice in the chorale. I thoroughly enjoyed his presence there and his singing. Sending my love, hugs and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Cindy Hatch
October 7, 2020
Charlotte, I remember that Chuck always knew his pitches as you did.
He was the pillar in a sea of wayward tenors. I offer my sympathy for your loss.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Gerdes's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Gerdes
Oct
7
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Cranberry Twp130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Oct
7
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Cranberry Twp130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Funeral services provided by:
Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Cranberry Twp130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township, PA 16066
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Gerdes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
