FSFTID # LVG5-8BD
FSFTID # LYX7-6CN
FSFTID # LYX7-RPS
FSFTID # G9HP-BB3
FSFTID # G69T-VM6
FSFTID # G69T-62Q
FSFTID # LVH3-M7M
FSFTID # L4S1-J7S
CREMATION:
Abt 25 Aug 1985 Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California
FSFTID # L13Y-S9B
FSFTID # LH8G-9MY
Lester Marion "Pete" Blankenship
FSFTID # LH8L-1RY
FSFTID # LRG1-DK4
FSFTID # LRG1-6KM
FSFTID # LRG1-XLP
FSFTID # G3PP-LQW
FSFTID # LVLX-M1Q
FSFTID # LT2S-783
FSFTID # LVLX-9NV
FSFTID # GH4Y-7D7
FSFTID # GH4Y-FPT
FSFTID # GH41-1V3
43899. James Delbert Jordan Jr.
FSFTID # LVLX-9J5
FSFTID # LVP7-WM3
FSFTID # LYFN-KGS
FSFTID # GC8V-X9K
FSFTID # GC8V-8RC
FSFTID # GC8V-WYZ
FSFTID # GC8V-X32
FSFTID # GC8V-WBP
FSFTID # G385-2KB
FSFTID # LBFD-WCH
FSFTID # GNVP-QFD
FSFTID # GDZR-D77
NOTE:
Reportedly adopted.
GRAVE: images plus bio photo
Ila Adele Sommers Gerdes
Birth: 7 Mar 1930 Bowmont, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Death: 26 Sep 2021 (aged 91)
Burial: Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Plot: SECTION 5 LOT 29 PLOT 2
Memorial #: 232613890
Bio:
Ila Adele Gerdes
Ila Adele (Sommers) Gerdes, 91, of Homedale, passed away peacefully early Sunday, September 26th of heart failure. Ila was born at her grandparent's home in Bowmont, a small community near Melba, Idaho, to parents Arthur and Nydia (Carpenter) Sommers on March 7, 1930. Ila attended schools in both Nampa and Middleton and her junior year started working after school as a telephone operator in Boise for Mountain Bell. In her youth she discovered her love for animals, especially dogs. She loved to tell the story of training the neighbor's dog to climb a ladder, a skill that eventually saved the dog's life. Her love for dogs never waned as she was famous for mistakenly calling grandkids by one of the dog's names. Another childhood pastime was roller skating in Nampa, it was here at the rink that she met her future husband, Don Gerdes.Don and Ila married on August 14, 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church in Caldwell. They were married for 62 years to the day, the day Don passed away in 2012. Don was the love of her life. To this union was born 4 children; Pam, Cindy, Sandy, and bonus baby Donnie Gerdes. It was in Central Cove, East of Homedale, where Don and Ila settled and raised their family, made their living on the farm and created many wonderful memories for kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. Don and Ila dairied, raised row crops, beef cattle and later were infamous for raising the buffalo on Homedale road. Ila was the best hired man any husband could ask for and was also a coveted ensilage truck driver by many farmers. She miraculously worked on the farm all day long and would have a nutritious meal or tasty baked goods for her family and anyone else who may show up at the house.
When the milk cows left, Ila went to work as a rural mail carrier at the Wilder Post office. She loved her job and worked faithfully through snow, fog and ice for 26 years travelling approximately 100 miles a day. During these years she made many friends, replaced many of sets of brakes and gained the skill of driving better with one arm from the passenger's seat. Grandkids fondly recall the entire herd loading up in her mail van "Nelly Bell" to pick asparagus or go for a spin. Ila was an excellent driver, however not a slow driver. She taught many of the grandkids how to race, even if it meant driving through the front yard to win a race. Ila was humble, but never slow to brag that at 91 she still had never received a speeding ticket.
Don and Ila worked hard to keep a tight knit family. They strived to raise their family in the faith and love of the Lord and instill in their children an incredible work ethic. Every occasion was celebrated with family and a meal, many times with one of Ila's new recipes. Grandkids love that Ila could throw condiments across the kitchen with perfect aim. Their home was filled with laughter and life, nothing pretentions but always authentic. Ila decorated for every holiday and made sure their home was welcoming to all who walked through the door. Decorating, rearranging and repainting furniture was a favorite hobby. Ila was even known to knock out an entire wall by herself when Don was gone to the livestock sale, rumor has it, that's the reason Don feared to leave the farm.
Ila was one of the original residents at Grace Assisted Living in Caldwell. She had many special friends at Grace and was blessed to consider them part of her family and support team as she faced the loss of her son Donnie, granddaughter Stacey and her keys to drive. This special team of people kept her laughing and on her toes. Ila loved to laugh and have a good time and was always up for an adventure. She knew about the highlights and hurts in their lives and prayed faithfully for each of them. Her family will forever be grateful for the compassion, care and love the staff showed Ila.
Ila is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Nydia Sommers, brother and sister-in-law Gilbert and Martha Sommers, infant brother Eldon, husband Donald Gerdes, son Donnie Gerdes and Granddaughter Stacey Kelly. She is survived by children Pam (Fred Kelly), Cindy Gerdes, Sandy (Fred Sarceda), daughter-in-law Dixie Gerdes, forever son-in-law Gary Doi, 6 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 14 great-grand children and a very special friend Albert Villa. Ila was an inspiration of how to be strong and independent at any age and served as a great role model for our family.
Graveside services at the Wilder Cemetery by Pastor Ross Shaver will take place on October 6th at 2:00 PM under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel in Homedale.
Inscription: IN GOD'S CARE
Family Members
Parents
Arthur Lewis Sommers 1900-1971
Nydia Stella Carpenter Sommers 1907-1965
Spouse
Donald Dean Gerdes 1926-2012
Children
Donald Scott Gerdes 1970-2017
Created by: R.I.P. (47339884)
Added: 1 Oct 2021
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/232613890/ila-adele-gerdes
Citation: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/232613890/ila-adele-gerdes: accessed 14 December 2022), memorial page for Ila Adele Sommers Gerdes (7 Mar 1930–26 Sep 2021), Find a Grave Memorial ID 232613890, citing Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA; Maintained by R.I.P. (contributor 47339884).
GRAVE: images plus bio photo
Donald Dean “Don” Gerdes
Birth: 1 Feb 1926 Bruning, Thayer County, Nebraska, USA
Death: 14 Aug 2012 (aged 86) Parma, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Burial: Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Plot: SECTION 5 LOT 29 PLOT 1
Memorial #: 95404471
Bio:
Donald Dean Gerdes, 86, of Wilder, passed away Tuesday August 14th at the Parma Living Center.Don was born to Ted and Mabel Gerdes on February 1, 1926 in Bruning, Nebraska. At 14, amidst the dustbowl and Great Depression, the family loaded up and moved to Greenleaf, Idaho where they worked for local farmers. Don graduated from Greenleaf Friends Academy.
At 18 years old he joined the Navy and was stationed in Okinawa Japan during WWII, serving as a Sea Bee.
When he returned home he purchased his first John Deere 1945, "B" through a program offered to GI's. He began farming with his dad in the Central Cove, where he farmed until his late 70's.
He met his wife of 63 years, Ila Sommers, at the Rollerdrome in Nampa. They were married on August 14, 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church in Caldwell. Together they worked the land, milked cows and raised four children; Pam (Fred) Kelly, Cindy Gerdes (Gary Doi), Sandy (Fred) Sarceda and Donnie (Dixie) Gerdes.
Don shared his love for the Lord with his children and grandchildren. He attended Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Homedale. He was also a member of the Homedale Lion's Club and charter member of the collective bargaining group, the National Farmers Organization.
He is survived by his wife, four children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, brother, Bob (Emmy) Gerdes, sisters-in-law, Jean Gerdes and Martha Sommers and eight special nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane Gerdes and brother-in-law, Gilbert Sommers.
A service celebrating Don's life will be held Saturday August 18th, 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Homedale. Friends and family are invited to lunch at the Homedale Senior Citizen's Center following the service. A private burial will occur prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (621 W. Idaho, Homedale, ID 83628).
Inscription: IN GOD'S CARESF3 US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
Family Members
Parents
Theodore Harms Gerdes 1902-1994
Mable Virginia Shane Gerdes 1907-2000
Spouse
Ila Adele Sommers Gerdes 1930-2021
Children
Donald Scott Gerdes 1970-2017
Maintained by: R.I.P. (47339884)
Originally Created by: Barb (46936813)
Added: 15 Aug 2012
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95404471/donald-dean-gerdes
Citation: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95404471/donald-dean-gerdes: accessed 14 December 2022), memorial page for Donald Dean “Don” Gerdes (1 Feb 1926–14 Aug 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 95404471, citing Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA; Maintained by R.I.P. (contributor 47339884).
GRAVE: images plus bio photo
Donald Scott Gerdes
Birth: 12 Oct 1970 Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Death: 11 Aug 2017 (aged 46)
Burial: Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA
Plot: SECTION 5 LOT 31 PLOT 5
Memorial #: 182495005
Bio:
Donald Scott GerdesDonald "Donnie" Scott Gerdes, age 46, passed away Friday August 11, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. Born October 12, 1970 in Nampa, Idaho to Don and Ila Gerdes. Donnie has three sisters, Pam Kelly, Cindy Gerdes and Sandy Sarceda. Donnie loved family gatherings with all the extended family. Because Donnie came later in life to Don and Ila; he got to grow up with all of his nieces and nephews. After Donnie was born, there was a niece and nephew born about every 18 months. He loved them all and taught them to ride horses, motorcycles and swim in the canal. He was the piped piper. They all loved him. Donnie graduated from Homedale High School and grew up doing 4-H, shooting club, and high school rodeo.
Donnie married Dixie Wolfe February 28, 1994. Together they had three children; Tucker, Kolbie and Gauge. Donnie was an amazing husband and dad. He taught his children about character and integrity. He taught them to ride, hunt, fish, camp and to love the outdoors as much as he did. Donnie loved following the kids around through school as they participated in 4-H, football, basketball and high school rodeo. Donnie was so proud of all three of his children and loved them with all of his heart.
Through the years Donnie worked at Beef North West, Owyhee Feeders and Boise Valley Feeders. Donnie loved what he did for a living and it showed in his work ethics and relationship with fellow co-workers.
Donnie loved to hunt, rope and he especially loved branding season. During branding season there was nothing more he would rather be doing than branding. Donnie loved people; he made friends easily and was a good friend to have.
Donnie always had a gentle easy smile. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He saw life differently from anyone; he loved it!!! His sense of humor was priceless. Donnie would tell you that his greatest accomplishments in life were his relationship with the Lord, which truly sustained him these last seven months and his very special marriage to Dixie. His legacy is truly their three children he and Dixie raised. Donnie was an amazing son, brother, husband, father and friend. He will be deeply missed, but will be forever loved.A funeral service will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, August 16th at the First Baptist Church, 204 E Elm, New Plymouth with Pastor Dan Dykema officiating. Burial will follow at Wilder, Idaho Cemetery.
I was given the gift of life and now I have to give it back. This is hard. But, I was a lucky man, who had a wonderful life filled with love, family and friends. I am at peace. Until we meet again.
Idaho Press-Tribune, August 15, 2017
Family Members
Parents
Donald Dean Gerdes 1926-2012
Ila Adele Sommers Gerdes 1930-2021
Created by: R.I.P. (47339884)
Added: 18 Aug 2017
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182495005/donald-scott-gerdes
Citation: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182495005/donald-scott-gerdes: accessed 14 December 2022), memorial page for Donald Scott Gerdes (12 Oct 1970–11 Aug 2017), Find a Grave Memorial ID 182495005, citing Wilder Cemetery, Wilder, Canyon County, Idaho, USA; Maintained by R.I.P. (contributor 47339884).
FSFTID # LYWY-K9N
FSFTID # LYWY-VFW
53882. Fern Margaret Carpenter
FSFTID # LYWY-G89
43968. Robert Thomas Carpenter
ANCESTRY: See LATSHAW Family Tree by David Latshaw
1940 United States Federal Census
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Web: Iowa, Find A Grave Index, 1800-2012
Ancestry Sources
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014