Brian Gerdts

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Brian Lee Gerdts, a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, on February 9, 2026.

Brian was born on September 24, 1970, to Sylvan and Judy Gerdts in Rochester, MN. He attended school in Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1989. Brian went on to earn a degree in Building Utilities Mechanics and a Boilers License Class 2A in 1992. He worked for almost 39 years at Mayo Clinic, lastly in Facilities with a job title of Electronics/Conveyance AA, specializing in HVAC, Electricity, Pneumatics and more. Brian married Brenda Felt on May 20, 1995, and had two children, Kaylee Ann and Cody Allen Gerdts. They later divorced. He met his wife, Cara Pasch on July 21, 2010, and they were married on July 21, 2012. They shared over 15 years together, making beautiful memories along the way.

Brian loved people and had a kind heart. He could find something to talk about with everyone he met. Brian's sense of humor was unique, and he liked to laugh and joke. Time with family and friends often included playing cards, cribbage and backgammon. He won his 11th and 12th grade backgammon tournaments. Brian spent most of his life hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers, along with other family and friends. Many trips were made to Port Washington, WI to fish on Lake Michigan with his brothers. He would often tell Cara that his grandpa told him, "If there was a walleye in the lake, Brian would find it." He enjoyed goose and duck hunting. Brian also enjoyed coin collecting and going through pennies and others, looking for unique coins and Wheat pennies. He had a soft spot for dogs, owning several over the years including Tasha and Sadie. Brian will be missed greatly by his beloved and very spoiled goldendoodle, Maggie, who looked forward to her daily truck rides with him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cara Gerdts; daughter Kaylee Gerdts (fiancee Ethan Jensen) of Dover, MN, and son Cody Gerdts of St. Charles, MN; father Sylvan Gerdts of Monticello, MN; brothers Mike (Andrea) Gerdts of Akeley, MN, and Dave (Amy) Gerdts of LaCrosse, WI; nieces Sonja Gerdts and Janelle Gerdts and nephew Dalton Gerdts. He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy ("JuJu") Gerdts, whom he had a very special bond with. He missed her tremendously since her passing in 2022, so it is a blessing that he is now reunited with her.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many doctors, nurses, PCA's, and other staff on Mayo Clinic's Domitilla 6D unit as well as the dialysis staff for their compassionate care during Brian's hospital stay. A special thank you to Matt Rode, MD for sharing his incredible gift of compassion, patience, and calm while caring for Brian but also Cara, Kaylee and Cody. It was a blessing to have a constant reassuring presence to guide us through this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, (2577 Schaeffer Lane NE, Rochester, MN). Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN) as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gerdts family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com