Phillip E. Gerdt

Phillip Edward Gerdt (Phil), 82, passed away on March 27, 2026.

Phil was born and lived his entire life on the south side of Indianapolis. He was the third son of Edward and Ethelynne Gerdt. (Charlie deceased, George, deceased, and John)

Upon graduating from Southport High School, Phil entered the United States Navy in 1962 where he served for 2 years and saw the world. Returning home to Indiana, Phil married his high school sweetheart, Sharyn John, in 1964 and together they raised two sons, Andrew and Anthony.

In 1965, Phil joined the Indianapolis Police Department where he served for 20 years as detective sergeant. Upon retiring from the police force, Phil went to work for Indianapolis Power and Light Company where he was in the security division.

Phil and Sharyn purchased a vacation home on the Ohio River in Switzerland County where they spent 23 summers, providing his children and grandchildren a place to boat, play, and relax. Being a Navy man, boating was an integral part of Phil's life. In addition to boating, Phil loved to ride on his motorcycle. He enjoyed riding on country roads to eat at small town restaurants was a favorite past time of Phil's.

Phil is survived by his wife Sharyn, his two sons Andrew and Anthony (Laurie); and his brother, John (Cheri) Gerdt. He has three grandchildren who adored "Papa Phil": Danielle (Blake), Ryan, and Rachel and two great-grandchildren Ava and Claire, all of whom visited Phil within his final weeks of life.

Phil's memory will live on in all those that knew him, for knowing Phil was a gift.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN.

Phil will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631. www.abta.org

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.ghherrmann.com