Joyce P. Gerdes

RAPID CITY - Joyce P. Gerdes, 77, went to her heavenly home Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital after suffering a stroke and a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. The disease may have taken her mind and body, but her faith and spirit endured.

She was born Aug. 15, 1934, in Marietta, Minn., to William Henry Zadow & Linda M. Sievers. After graduating from high school in 1952, she attended business school in Fargo, N.D., and worked for General Motors. While visiting her sister in Sioux Falls, she met and eventually married her husband, Lester. They moved to Rapid City in 1972 where they raised their four children: Kevin, Arlen, Allen and Melissa.

After her children were older, she went to work at Black Hills Retirement Center as a nurse's aide, caring for the elderly. She later worked for South Dakota Gold Company until her husband became ill, then she remained home to care for him. She was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church. She could always be found singing with the choir, making lefse, helping with the Annual Turkey Dinner, altar guild, WELCA and anywhere else she was needed. She was also active in Minneluzahan Senior Center and loved entertaining around town with various musical groups.

She is survived by her three sons: Kevin Gerdes, Indianapolis; Arlen Gerdes and wife, Tanya, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Allen Gerdes and wife, Jennifer, Wichita, Kan.; daughter: Melissa Werner and husband, Joe, in Rapid City, S.D. She has 10 grandchildren: Tori, Alaina, Paige, Caleb, Nolan, Matthew, Emyline, Adam, Claudia and Regan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Linda Zadow; her sisters, Arlene Brown and Deloris Nordquist; and her husband, Lester Gerdes.

Joyce's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her dear friends, Judy and Bonnie. Their endless support and kindness brightened her days and kept her active. Her youthful spirit and love for life will be greatly missed by all who were touched by her.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Atonement Lutheran Church in her memory.

Visitation will be one hour prior to her services scheduled at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 602 Auburn Drive with the Rev. Jon Mapa officiating.

Burial will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements are being handled by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Blvd.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.osheimschmidt.com.