The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

A funeral service for Douglas E. Geerdes was held Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Warner Funeral Home in Everly. Pastor Dan Taylor officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Lilly Geerdes, Taylor Siems, Elizabeth Geerdes, Logan Siems, Josie Geerdes, Marshal Geerdes and Jase Benson. Warner Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Douglas (Doug) Edwin Geerdes was born June 6, 1953, and was the second son of Edwin and Ellen (Hirt) Geerdes. He was raised on the Geerdes family farm south of Everly. He graduated from Everly Community School. Afterwards, he attended Iowa State University majoring in Animal Science, where he excelled in livestock and meat judging.

He married Kathryn Ann (Wede) Geerdes on June 2, 1978, and shortly after they moved to the family farm. Doug and Kathy were blessed with six children.

Doug put his heart into farming. Livestock was his passion and the focus of his work. On his farm he proudly had a farrow-to-finish swine operation and a cow-calf herd. He has two children who continue to operate the now Century Farm. Doug loved being a grandpa and giving tractor and four-wheeler rides to his grandkids. He also enjoyed taking livestock to the Clay County Fair where he and his family have shown for the last 40 years.

Doug passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Theodore Geerdes; his brother, Dwight "Joe" Geerdes; his sister-in-law, Barbara (Dale) Geerdes, and his in-laws, Clarence and Shirley (Toft) Wede.

Doug is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy; his mother, Ellen Geerdes, brothers: Dale, John (Karen) and Dean (Peg) Geerdes; his six children: Sara Geerdes, Lee (Katie) Geerdes, Laura (Mark) Siems, Emily Geerdes, Eddie (Emily) Geerdes and Stacey (Nate) Benson; seven grandchildren: Lilly, Taylor, Elizabeth, Logan, Josie, Marshal and Jason; other relatives and many friends.