Obituary of Donald Gerding

Donald Leo Gerding, of Lake Havasu City, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on January 18, 2017. He was born to Robert and Loretta Gerding on January 6, 1924 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was 93. Donald was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Cathedral Grade School and High School. Donald is an Army Veteran, serving in WWII. After discharge, he returned to Fort Wayne, Indiana. From there, he moved to the Los Angeles area. Donald met Sharon and they became united as one on March 26, 1961 in Las Vegas, Nevada and resided in Whittier, Ca. In 1971 they moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Donald became employed with McCulloch Corporation in 1971 and retired in 1989. Donald enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, and cars. He liked to construct and work on projects and was always busy doing something. He loved to spend time with family especially his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald was a life member of VFW #9401 and the Moose Lodge. Don's faith In God kept him going. Donald is preceded in death by parents Robert and Loretta Gerding; daughter, Brenda Jean Bone; sister, Patricia Murdock. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sharon Gerding; sons, Donald (Danette) Gerding, Jeffery (Patricia) Gerding, and Gregory Gerding; daughters, Karen Papilli, Sandra (Michael) Skowera, and Tracy Gerding; brother, Howard Charles Gerding; sister, Norma Jean (Ira) Line; twenty grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be February 4, 2017 at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, Lake Havasu City, Arizona at 3:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW immediately following his service. Inurnment will be February 8, 2017 at 2:00pm at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW or Hospice of Havasu. The family would like to give a special thank you to the compassionate staff at Hospice of Havasu and the "We Honor Veteran's" volunteers. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be made to the Gerding family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.