Irene Flora Gerdes, 93, Washington, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, in Creve Coeur.
Mrs. Gerdes was born Jan. 30, 1918, in Brazeau, the daughter of the late Phillip Weinhold and wife Martha, nee Bock.
She received her education at Concordia Lutheran School and the public school in Fronha.
On Nov. 10, 1940, she was united in marriage to Arthur Gerdes at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fronha. They made their home in Labadie until moving to Washington in 1981.
She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington, and was a Franklin County OATS bus contact person. She enjoyed working in her garden.
Mrs. Gerdes was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, June 10, 1983; one son-in-law, Charles H. Brunjes; seven brothers, Walter Weinhold, Charles Weinhold, William Weinhold, Oscar Weinhold, Adolph Weinhold, Benjamin Weinhold and Elmer Weinhold; and four sisters, Ada Kaufman, Esther Grebing, Hattie Blum and Gertrude Hacker.
She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Brunjes, Villa Ridge; four grandsons, Mark Brunjes and wife Ginny and Stephen Brunjes, all of Pacific, David Brunjes, Ballwin, and Daniel Brunjes and wife Ashley, Labadie; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Bailey Brunjes, both of Pacific; other relatives and many friends.
A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington, with Pastor Mark Bangert officiating.
Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund, Franklin County OATS bus and Irene Gerdes' great-grandchildren education fund are preferred.
To send condolences, visit www.oltmannfuneralhome.com.
The family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington.
