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John Gerdes Obituary
1930-2017
Dr. John Richard Gerdes, 86, of Temple and formerly of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 at the Brookdale Meridian Care Center.
Dr. Gerdes was born on August 26, 1930 in Houston, Texas, to John Richard Gerdes, Sr. and Patty Tucker Gerdes. He grew up in Houston and graduated from San Jacinto High School.
He attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1952. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Hamner. He married Constance Cutlip in 1954.
After the war, he attended UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and graduated in 1959. Dr. Gerdes completed OB/Gyn residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston and then began his medical practice, first with Memorial Hospital and then with Rosewood Medical Center until retirement.
His hobbies included a love for fishing on the Texas coast at Matagorda Bay, traveling, reading, target shooting and building model ships.
Dr. Gerdes is survived by his son Dr. Paul Gerdes and wife Beth of Temple, daughter Lisa Gerdes Heffer and husband Dr. Robert Heffer of College Station, daughter Nancy Gerdes Avolio and husband John Avolio of San Antonio, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceeded in death by his wife Frances Gilpin Gerdes, and was an important figure in the life of her son Carl Gilpin.
A celebration of his life will be held in Houston at Chapelwood United Methodist Church at 10am on Saturday, June 24, 2017.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, or to Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries Management.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gerdes
Diane Davis
September 7, 2025
Dr Gerdes was my doctor and saved my life in 1970 and then delivered my son in 1971. He was kind and a wonderful doctor. May he be resting in peace. Heaven has special places for men like him Thanks
Linda Talley Baiamonte
June 6, 2020
I just heard about Dr Gerdes passing.
He delivered both of my sons. The first in 1969 at Memorial Hospital in Houston, the second in 1974 at Rosewood Hospital. I was his patient until he retired. I was in tears at my appointment when he told me he was retiring. He was an amazing Dr and a compassionate and caring man.
May he Rest In Peace.
Lydia Salinas
June 13, 2019
My daughter ask me the other day who delivered her and I told her it was the best doctor in Houston, Texas. He was the best. I will never forget I had been in labor for hours and he came and peeked at my door and said "haven't you had your baby yet?" I told him No I haven't I was waiting for you. He grinned..I did not realize he is no longer with us. I did notice that his birth date was the same as my daughter's. So he was delivering my daughter on his birthday. I know he has been gone now for two years, however if anyone reads this...just letting you know I am truly sorry for your loss...he was a great man.
Cheryl Light
October 3, 2017
I was a patient of Dr. Gerdes in 1978. He performed surgery on me at Rosewood Hospital, Houston, and literally gave me a new lease on life. I have seen many doctors for various medical problems, but Dr. Gerdes was the very best. He understood the importance of "listening" to his patients. Many prayers for his family; The world lost a great doctor and a wonderful man. Cheryl Light, Groves, Tx.
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N Valdez
July 16, 2017
I am in so many tears right now. He was the "coolest" of the "cool" of the docs I had ever met. He had to redo a surgery I had with another doc and was such a God send. He was always so positive and kind and smiley - even was the one to tell me I was expecting which scared the daylights out of me back then - at ole Rosewood Medical Center. I would even call him on occasion for questions or just to say hi at his home for many many years after! I believe the last time we spoke was like 2 -3 years ago or so. A doc I could call at home! Today, I actually was getting ready to call and I would always Google first because I always lost the number (LOL) and I saw this. I'm so very sorry for this loss. But I am SO very thankful I was fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest and my the family live in peace. (Please pardon any typos, tears may have gotten in the way) <3
Jen Pulcinella
July 11, 2017
I believe that Dr.Gerdes was the Dr. in attendance when I was born in 1968 at St Joseph's. Thanks to him, I was placed for adoption with a wonderful couple (Don & Jean Marsh) from Austin. They always spoke very fondly of Dr. Gerdes. I'm so sorry for your loss.
[email protected]
Inez Taylor
June 24, 2017
I was so sorry to hear about your father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I knew you all when I worked with your mother at Dr. Brezner's office.
My condolences, Inez
[email protected]
Pixie Twomey
June 23, 2017
So many memories of Uncle John and the family . . . I hope to be there Saturday.
Judy (Berry) Myers
June 22, 2017
As my daughter turns 44 on Sunday, June 25th, I decided to find Dr Gerdes on the internet. He delivered both of my children at Houston Southeast Memorial Hospital, daughter in 1973 and son in 1975. He was a very compassionate doctor and I am so sorry to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
American Heart Association
June 18, 2017
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Janice Heffer Wright
June 18, 2017
My love and prayers for the family. May the love of God surround each one of you, bringing peace and comfort.
In God's Unfailing Love....
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