Ben J. Gerdes, Jr., 83, of Milford, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Lakes Regional Healthcare, in Spirit Lake, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with esophageal cancer.
Ben was born on January 13, 1940, the son of Ben R. and Beneta (Swink) Gerdes, Sr. in Manson, Iowa. After graduation from Manson High School in 1958, he attended college for a brief time. He then enlisted into the US Army. After his honorable discharge, he returned home. He was united in marriage to Kathleen A. Junkman on January 13, 1963, in Rockwell City, Iowa. Ben and Kay moved to Milford where they started the family business of Graphic Designing, B&K Signs.
In his free time, he enjoyed antique cars, and motorcycles. He had a love for animals which included his beloved dog, Lacey. Ben was a member of the First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Kay Gerdes of Milford; son Benjamin P. Gerdes, III. (Liz) Gerdes of Cedar Falls, IA; daughter Lisa (John) Becker of St. James, MN; daughter Lori (Dan) Raleigh of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Andrew Gerdes of Cedar Falls, IA; Elsie Gerdes of Cedar Falls, IA; Zoie Becker of St. James, MN; and Ellie Becker of St. James, MN; Cami Burns (Becker) of Sioux Falls, SD and Katie Sherck (Becker) of Independence, MN; brother Larry(Pat) Gerdes of McClelland, IA; sister Vickie (Dale) Buttloph of Winterset, IA,.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Janice Maddy and an infant sister.
A private graveside service will be held in the Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ben’s name and the family will donate the funds to Ben’s favorite charities.
