Doug Gerdes

Doug Gerdes, 46, of New Haven, MO, passed away Friday, July 19, 2024 at the University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, Missouri. 

Doug was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 19, 1978, a son of Connie (Meyer) and the late Ray A. Gerdes.

Doug grew up in the New Haven area and attended and graduated from New Haven High School. He then attended East Central College and the University of Missouri, Columbia where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science.

He was the husband of Michelle (Joseph) Gerdes.  They were united in marriage on March 29, 2003, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, New Haven, MO. 

Doug was a member of Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, Ebenezer Stone Church Cemetery Board, where he also served as the cemetery sexton. He was a member of the Missouri Professional Timber Harvesters Program. He served for several years on the Franklin County R-2 School Board. He also ran the scoreboard at the New Haven High School baseball games.

Doug was mostly self-employed. He had his own landscaping and tree trimming business for several years. He was currently a self- employed logger.

Doug was a proud and devoted father to his twin children and his wife. He loved being outdoors, whether he was logging, hunting, fishing, or arrowhead and mushroom hunting. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He loved coaching kids, especially his children in youth basketball, baseball, and softball. He loved taking vacations and trips with his family and friends.

Doug is survived by his wife, Michelle Gerdes, of the home, by twin children, Emma and Jacob Gerdes of the home; his mother, Connie Gerdes, New Haven; a brother, Eric Gerdes and special friend Sherry Byram, of Gerald, Missouri; a sister, Julie Westermeyer and husband Todd, of New Haven; his father-in-law Brad Joseph and wife Linda, New Haven; by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his father Ray A. Gerdes, by his grandparents Chester & Bernadine (Toelke) Meyer and Adolph & Nelda (Althage) Gerdes, his mother-in-law Terri Joseph, and his brother-in-law Chris Joseph.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 23rd from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, Missouri, with Pastor Rhonda Winters officiating.

Burial will be in Ebenezer Stone Church Cemetery.   Memorials may be given to Doug Gerdes Memorial Fund, for his children's education.