A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent at www.garlandfuneralhome.com on the Internet.

TAMPICO  Robert E. Gerdes, 85, of 207 N. Joy St., Tampico, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at CGH Medical Center. He hauled milk and farmed in the Milledgeville area; and owned and operated Gerdes Ford Tractor Sales and Service, Polo, and Gerdes Ariens Lawn Mower Sales, Tampico.

Mr. Gerdes was born Nov. 24, 1922, the son of August and Tena (Meyers) Gerdes. He married Jean M. Pollard on Dec. 11, 1962, in Raymondsville, Texas.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Roberta Konneck, of Tampico; son, Chester "Chet" Gerdes, of Sterling; sister, Elsie Pilgrim, of Sterling; three grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 brothers and sisters.

The funeral is at 3 p.m. Saturday at Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Gregory Olson, pastor of First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, officiating. Burial is at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent at www.garlandfuneralhome.com on the Internet.