Richard "Dick" Gerndt

Richard "Dick" Gerndt, age 81 of Suring, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Dick was born on June 21, 1944, "First day of summer, longest day of the year", to the late Leland and Norma (Nelson) Gerndt. He graduated from Suring High School with the class of 1962. Dick then served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. Upon returning, Dick began hauling milk for Manthei's Cheese Factory. It was during a milk pick up that Dick met Carla Bintz, who was with her father picking up pigs from a local farm. The couple married on May 29, 1971 at St. John's Lutheran Church – Grover. Together, along with Dick's brothers, they ran Gerndt Farms. Dick was very involved in the community. He served on the Suring School Board for 11 years, as well as on other county and community organizations. Dick was a devoted local sports fan, announcing football games for many years and attending the games of his children and grandchildren. Dick was very active, playing on local softball teams and bowling leagues. He was also an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing whenever he could. Dick enjoyed sharing stories from his life with everyone he met. He was a lifelong member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church.
Dick is survived by his wife, Carla; 4 children, Renee (Brian) Wolf, Craig (Jennifer) Gerndt, Gina (Pete) Cramer, and Crystal (Chris) Schroeder; grandchildren, Harlee (fiancé Brady) Wolf, Ginger and Georgia Gerndt, Autumn and Morgan Dryja, Birdee and Bunny Cramer, Clark and Chloe Schroeder; sister, Kathy (Dick) Rupiper; brother, Lee (Bev) Gerndt; sister-in-law, Barb Gerndt. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He will be especially missed by his furry buddy, Mack.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Gerndt.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church from 1 pm until the funeral service at 4 pm with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Dick will be interred at Mount Olive Lutheran Cemetery with Military Honors. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank Emilee Tachick for helping care for him at home over the past several months. Your help is greatly appreciated.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of
Richard "Dick" Gerndt, please click here to visit our sympathy store.