William G. "Bill" Gerdes Jr.

Visitation Dates and Times
Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Visitation Location
St. Cecilia Catholic Church ~ Bartelso
Service Date
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Service Time
2:00 p.m.
Service Location
St. Cecilia Catholic Church ~ Bartelso
Full Obituary
William G. "Bill" Gerdes Jr., age 94, of Bartelso, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Breese. He was born August 31, 1930, in Bartelso, the son of the late Anna (nee Bergmann) and William "Bill" Gerdes Sr. Bill married Mary Ann (nee Timmermann) Gerdes on May 14, 1957, in Beckemeyer, and she preceded him in death January 27, 1993.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by siblings, Celia "Cele" (Frank "Bud") Kreke, Paul "PG" Gerdes, and Bernard "Bernie" (Marcella "Sally") Gerdes; parents-in-law, Herman and Helen (nee Lammers) Timmermann; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Virginia "Ginny" (John) Winkeler, Ralph Timmermann, Bernice (Paul) Deerhake, Dominic "Nick" Beckmann, and Joseph "Joe" Timmermann.
Bill is survived by his six children, Kathy (Rick) Engelmann of Albers, Jerry (Andy Thompson) Gerdes of Parrish, FL, Marcia (Mike) Thompson of Bartelso, Jacinta (Dan) Kohnen of Germantown, Denise (Doug) Haake of Germantown, and David (Stacey) Gerdes of Bartelso; thirteen grandchildren, Brian (Erin) Engelmann, John (Tiffany) Engelmann, Anna (Nick) Lampen, Matt (Haley) Thompson, Benny Thompson, Ashley (Austin) Schukar, Mary (Gavin) Anderson, Seth (Gabi) Haake, Katie (Evan) Albers, Sarah (Jonathan) Tock, Amber (Brayden) Watts, Chris (friend, Abby Bango) Gerdes, and Tyler Gerdes; seventeen great-grandchildren, Lydia, Chloe, Quinten, Kailey, Lucas, Eli, Cal, Jayce, Sophie, Mikayla, Liam, Kylie, Toby, Noah, Ella, Amelia, Adelyn, and joyfully anticipated the arrival of two more; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dolores Gerdes of Bartelso, Bernette Beckmann of Bartelso, Gertrude "Gertie" (Eugene "Gene") Loepker of Breese, Leona (Richard "Rich") Thole of St. Rose, Leon (Laverne) Timmermann of Belleville, and Donald "Don" (Marilyn) Timmermann of Bartelso; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Following his military service, he worked as a carpenter and was a lifelong farmer, devoting his life to hard work, family, and community.
He was a faithful member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso. Bill was also a proud veteran and community leader, serving as past commander of Bartelso American Legion Post 976, member of Germantown American Legion Post 325, and a former member and past Grand Knight of the Bartelso Knights of Columbus Council 4745. Bill enjoyed bowling, picking pecans, and spending time with his family.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso with Fr. James Buerster presiding. Interment with full military honors accorded will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery in Bartelso.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Cecilia Parish, Standin' Proud Veterans Tribute, or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.